How to Give Back This Holiday Season

It’s a wonderful time of year, one to celebrate and spend time with the ones we love. It’s also a good opportunity to hit pause and take stock of all the reasons we have to be grateful.

While it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, busy with buying gifts and planning holiday parties, for many this is a difficult time of year. It’s hard to watch the news and take stock of the tragedy and suffering happening around the world without feeling helpless. But there are many notable organizations helping those who need it most. Whether it’s your time, money or supplies no gift of charity is ever too small. We researched a few that are working tirelessly to support those in need.

The White Helmets are volunteer rescue workers doing everything they can to save lives in Syria, regardless of their religion or politics.

The International Rescue Committee works specifically with people in war torn regions. They aid refugees around the world.

She’s the First helps provide scholarships, mentorship, and empowerment to girls in low-income countries who will be the first in their families to graduate.

The Special Olympics creates a community for children and adults with ID to celebrate their abilities in the world of sports—while empowering them, having fun and forging friendships.

Animal Legal Defense Fund fights for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals throughout the country.

Girls on the Run International is an organization that helpsgirls in grades 3-8 develop important social/emotional skills and confidence building through fitness and teamwork.

Clean Ocean Action helps protect our waterways from pollution and fights to protect coasts from oil and gas drilling in the ocean.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national 501(c)3 non-profit raises funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer, the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S.

The American Civil Liberties Union fights to defend individual rights and liberties that are guaranteed by the constitution.

National Alliance to End Homelessness works with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build programs and policies that help communities end homelessness.

These are only a few of the many organizations out there who deserve your time and donations. To find one (or more) that speak to you this charity watch dog rates charities based on how they spend their money and other factors (here is a helpful article by Consumer Reports about charity watchdogs). There are many worthy local charities and organizations as well. This time of year (and all year) animal shelters, food banks, and homeless shelters can all use some extra help.

Thank you for opening your hearts to others in need this holiday season. Let us know your favorite charities in the comments.
xx
Jess & Caylin