Charities During the Holiday Season

[Mischka]

I try to donate my time and effort to several charities and non-profits during the year, but there is always an abundance of charities that need help during the holiday season.

This year I am helping to stuff stockings for the Phoenix House, a drug rehab center for at-risk teens. The holidays can be a hard time for these kids, especially when they are not allowed to go home and those homes can't afford anything to celebrate the holidays anyway.

There are 40 youths at the Phoenix House, 14 girls and 26 boys. So far we've gotten shaving kits, playing cards, books on card games and card tricks, cologne, journals, artist pencils, stationery sets, books, popcorn, candy, lipgloss, and a few other items. Nothing earth shattering, but I hope that a few of the items will bring a smile to some of their faces, and help keep them in good spirits while they finish their stay.

What charities do you donate to during this time of year? Do you have a favorite, annual charity, or do you sample new ones every year? Do you volunteer your time as well? Is there a charity for which you'd like to make a pitch?

 

[sunstruck]

Every year my family spends Christmas morning spread out over soup kitchens on the Cape. We draw for towns and jobs. This year my oldest brother and I are driving around bringing meals to shut ins.

The Salvation Army had an event called Dress a Living Doll a few weeks ago and I bought outfits for a few kids.

There's a charity ball we help coordinate and at least a dozen raffle type things through Grans church. Charity has always been a HUGE part of the holiday season for me, and I truely believe that it is what makes the season so wonderful for me.

 

[brokenbrainwave]

I like to play an unnamed, unseen Santa for needy families. Charities such as United Way are not my thing, not saying they dont do great work, I just prefer to do things more at a personal level. There's a small circle of business owners that I can go to when I find people in need this time of the year. It is never a lot, but to the kids that would otherwise have nothing to very little, I hope it means the world.

 

[Secret Kate]

I work with Girl Scouts all year long - but at Christmas time the Girl Scouts locally put on a Christmas shopping day for about 70 family with children who have been placed with them through CPS (children's protective services). These families come in and the kids get to shop in an area with gifts for their parents, while the parents shop in an area with gifts for the kids. The Girl Scouts put the event together, donate the gift items, have a gift wrapping area to wrap the gifts picked, do crafts and games with the kids, and pizza and cookies for everyone! All donated by our local Girl Scout area.

I also drop money in every Salvation Army bucket I pass - I like that they don't ask for it - they just stand there ringing that bell - but always say thank you.

 

[REDWAVE]

"Noblesse oblige"

Highly commendable, folks, but private charity will never be anywhere close to meeting the need which exists. Only government programs can do that.

 

[brokenbrainwave]

Re: "Noblesse oblige"

Only government programs can do that.

Out of respect for Mischka, I shall refrain from this one....

 

[juicylips]

Angel Tree charity. This year it is for children who have parent/parents in prison. The gift goes to the child with the incarcerated parents name on it so the child doesn't feel that parent has forgotten them.

 

[Mischka]

Re: Re: "Noblesse oblige"

Out of respect for Mischka, I shall refrain from this one....

Thank you, darlin'. Consider that one of your charitable acts of the season.

 

[Wiggles]

I'm giving to the local police drive this year. They tell me the money go towards putting the sons and daughter of policemen killed on duty through college.

Another is a small family in my community who's son has a rare form of cancer, and they can't afford the health care or basic living costs with the single mother home taking care of him.

I really appreciate these charities, my family was on the recieving end quite a few times. You guys rock!

 

[Mischka]

*bump*

Finished assembling the stockings this afternoon.

 

[HeavyStick]

I work with Autistic kids through out the year.(no bullshit) Then Toy for Tots in the Christmas.

 

[Secret Kate]

I forgot about

the Angel tree. We have one at church that is put up each year - different families in need each year.

I always pick two names - a boy and a girl close in age to my own kids. This year's kids wanted clothing - a dress for her and a shirt for him. I always buy a little toy to tuck inside as well.

 

[Cheyenne]

*bump* because this is a great holiday thread.

Charity is a big part of the holiday season for many people. I do my charity contribution list for the year around Thanksgiving and check to make sure then that I have not forgotten anyone I meant to donate to. I write checks then so that I am done by early December and no one is forgotten.

I like to pick out one charity each year for a larger gift. I give the gift in the name of the employees who work for me to honor them. They, in turn, pick a charity and give a gift in my name. We don't end up with more doo-dads to sit around the house, and charity benefits, too. It works out well for all of us.

 

[Kuntmode]

°'°

¨Ñ° °Ñë