40 Charities To Support During The Holidays
The holiday season is upon us, and while it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift shopping for family and friends, it's important to remember that there are tons of incredible charities that also need some love, perhaps this year more than ever.
That's why we asked our own Patch staffers to recommend organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. Whether you're looking to support a no-kill animal shelter, help fund cancer research, donate to a food bank or discover a new charity to support, you are sure to find a worthy organization on this list.
Do you have a charity that is important to you? Put it in the comments below so your fellow Patch readers can check it out and lend their support. Happy holidays!
Feeding America
"More than 54 million Americans may find themselves staring at sparse or empty plates before 2020 is over, according to Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Patch has worked to help support small businesses, highlight employment opportunities for readers who are out of work, and to feature local heroes. We recognized that supporting our communities by getting food on people’s tables is another way that Patch can give back during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Patch has teamed with Feeding America to help our neighbors in an ongoing, sustained effort. Our goal is to raise awareness about food insecurity and hunger. We want to let readers know how they can help in their town and get help if they need it. All of the donations made to Feeding America through our local and national food insecurity stories will go directly to them."
—Autumn Johnson, Managing Editor
Related: Participate In Patch's Holiday Food Drive With Feeding America
No Bully
"No Bully is the leading anti-bullying advocacy organization in the United States and a Patch news partner supporting our long-running 'Menace of Bullies' series that seeks to raise awareness about bullying, a confounding national crisis that affects one in three U.S. schoolchildren and can have lifelong emotional and physical consequences."
—Beth Dalbey, National Editor
The St. Baldrick's Foundation
"The St. Baldrick's Foundation raises money to fund research into cures for childhood cancer. Many of the treatments that exist now can leave children with damage for the rest of their lives. What makes the charity unique are the large-scale head shaving events they do. Every year, people raise money for the charity and then come together to get their heads shaved in solidarity with kids who are battling cancer. I've been donating and getting my head shaved for years, and it's so much fun and such a great community activity."
—Alex Costello, Field Editor for Long Island, New York
Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families
"Even for children in safe, loving and nurturing homes, times are tough. Foster kids have an even tougher road. The CAFAF's Children’s Hope Fund helps them through this fundraiser."
—Ellyn Santiago, Field Editor for Connecticut
Make-A-Wish
"The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in the United States that helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness between the ages of 2-and-a-half and 18. I am a current volunteer for this nonprofit in organization.
I take pride in volunteering for this organization because I have an opportunity to grant the wishes of many children in my community who are coping with life-threatening illnesses. Even if for just a brief moment, these wishes help distract these wish kids from the serious health issues they are battling. These wishes give them something to look forward to and serve as an escape from reality.
In the past, I've surprised wish kids with a trip to Disney World, I've arranged for children to meet famous face car drivers and have even granted the wish of a teen battling cancer who wanted to meet his grandparents for the very first time who live in Japan.
These kids and families go through so much, and watching a child's will to survive and persevere through sickness is very inspirational. I admire their strength and courage."
—Nikki Gaskins, Roving Editor
Paterson Healing Collective
"Passaic County's first hospital-based violence intervention program, Paterson Healing Collective, is making Paterson and other areas of the county safer by teaching first aid and providing necessary resources to communities impacted by violence. Within one month of the first training, a young man who was shot ran to his block for help, and the community acted."
—Montana Samuels, Field Editor for Mahwah, New Jersey
Venice Family Clinic
"Venice Family Clinic feeds thousands of people across Los Angeles County, including the Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City and Marina del Rey communities. The nonprofit supports vulnerable populations throughout the pandemic with its food bank, along with health care, mental health and job-related resources.
Many people in the area have lost their jobs; others are homeless or living out of their cars. The organization was working hard to help people before the pandemic, but have grown their services even more during this emergency. They have partnered with other community organizations, including UCLA dining staff, to create meals for families who need them. They even added another location in Culver City this year.
They need community support now more than ever and have invited me to join them on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. for their food bank on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica. Community members are invited to volunteer."
—Nicole Charky, Field Editor for Santa Monica, California
Montana Conservation Corps
"I worked as an AmeriCorps youth crew leader with MCC in 2011. They engage young people across the West in hands-on conservation work in national parks and forests while teaching backcountry skills and environmental education. They do extensive outreach into low-income and Native American communities. Staff, volunteers and youth crew members alike emerge from these transformative experiences with a sense of agency to effect change and a powerful appetite for public service."
—Justin Heinze, Field Editor for Pennsylvania
The Lamb Center
"The Lamb Center is a daytime drop-in shelter in Fairfax, Virginia, that has continued to provide essential services to the homeless during the pandemic. It has worked with local governments to run a jobs program for the homeless, which has transformed the lives of participants and even helped some find full-time work. I've reported on them quite a bit and am astounded by how they help the homeless both with physical and spiritual needs."
—Emily Leayman, Field Editor for Alexandria, Virginia
Atlanta Humane Society
"My family has adopted multiple cats from Atlanta Humane, and I've volunteered here. The volunteers and staff are patient and kind, and will help families pick the perfect pet for their home. I am so appreciative of what Atlanta Humane does for displaced pets, including picking up and adopting out animals impacted by hurricanes in Florida. It is clear the volunteers genuinely care for and love the animals."
—Kathleen Sturgeon, Field Editor for Georgia
MercyOne Hospice
"MercyOne Hospice is led by nurses and volunteers who serve patients at the end of their life, and their loved ones. Hospice staffers, from nurses to a chaplain to care techs, visited my mom every day when she was in their care with end-stage lung disease. Those visits made her more comfortable, whether it was checking that she was receiving morphine as prescribed or a tech helping her bathe and get a manicure. The chaplain made sure Mom received Communion each week, and the Anointing of the Sick sacrament from a priest to give her peace. The staffers responded to our questions day and night; their dedication is unmatched."
—Deb Belt, Regional Manager
Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary
"Amid the ongoing economic downturn, no-kill animal rescues are struggling. This particular rescue takes in all manner of creatures, and I have never heard a bad word about them. Very dear to my heart."
—Toni McAllister, Field Editor for Temecula, California
The Trevor Project
"I'm the parent of an LGBTQ+ teen who also struggles with anxiety and depression. Every day, kids like him shoulder an incredible responsibility, working to navigate who they are and the adults they want to become while also facing bullies at school, unsupportive family and friends, and judgment from those who should know better. Every day, I see my child's struggles, and every day, I worry about him. While we do everything we can to love and support him, not everyone does. And not every kid has a support system like his. This is why organizations like The Trevor Project are so important."
—Megan VerHelst, Breaking News Editor
Susan G. Komen
"As a breast cancer survivor, more research is needed."
—Kristin Danley-Greiner, Freelance Editor
Maureen's Haven
"Maureen's Haven, run under the auspices of Peconic Community Council in Riverhead, is a homeless program on the East End of Long Island that runs every year from November through April 1. Homeless in the Hamptons? Hard to believe but very, very true — and the program has continued to grow. Local houses of worship house the homeless on different nights of the week. The homeless board a bus and are brought to that night's house of worship, where volunteers cook warm, nourishing dinners for them and provide them with a breakfast and bagged lunch. Volunteers also sleep over to make sure the homeless are safe overnight.
The program means a great deal to me because I volunteered at my church for nine years, and saw firsthand how great the need is among the homeless, not just for food and shelter, but for dignity and compassion. Equally as important as the meals were the conversations held around the dinner table, as the homeless shared their stories and forged bonds. It is literally a life-saving program, and I am proud to have been a volunteer for so long."
—Lisa Finn, Field Editor for Long Island, New York
Be A Santa To A Senior
"In a year when seniors were marooned in nursing homes without visitors, this would brighten their holidays."
—Bea Karnes, Field Editor for Fremont, California
Food Bank for Monterey County
"The Food Bank for Monterey County is based in Salinas, California — one of the state's top agricultural hubs, known to many as the 'Salad Bowl of the World' for producing so much of the lettuce we consume. But despite the great agricultural abundance here, many of the same farmworkers who put food on our tables are going hungry.
This organization works to feed food-insecure farmworkers and residents in the county, where one in four people are hungry, according to the food bank. The Food Bank for Monterey County said it serves more than 100,000 people each year and works with 160 local nonprofits to stock pantries, and operate meal programs and food distribution sites."
—Courtney Teague, Field Editor for Tri-Valley and Santa Cruz County
Candlelighters NYC
"This is a great charity that helps the families of pediatric cancer patients and the patients themselves. I heard about it through a good friend of mine who has volunteered with the organization for years and have seen firsthand the strong impact they make on the families and what they do to bring them close together."
—Feroze Dhanoa, Deputy Regional Editor
The Action Center in Jefferson County
"Volunteers at The Action Center have worked tirelessly, and it shows. They've scaled the organization rapidly — with many partnerships — and because of that, they're able to feed thousands of people in metro Denver."
—Amber Fisher, Field Editor for Colorado
Salvation Army
"The Salvation Army is a well-established, longstanding organization that provides a wide array of charitable services, from disaster relief and homeless shelters to soup kitchens and addiction rehabilitation. It has a very boots-on-the-ground presence in many communities, so its services are widely available and its impact is felt not far from most Americans."
—Marty O'Mara, Copy Chief
Active Minds
"I am a big proponent of talking about mental health, and this nonprofit organization has plenty of resources for people struggling with a mental illness and allies."
—Alessia Grunberger, Field Editor for Maryland
Desert Island Supply Company
"With cuts to education budgets in Birmingham inner city schools, creative writing, art and music programs are being eliminated. DISCO has volunteers who teach writing classes for inner city students in the city, and tutoring services."
—Michael Seale, Field Editor for Birmingham, Alabama
Best Buddies
"Best Buddies focuses on one-to-one friendships, employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It's outstanding. I was a 'Buddy' my junior and senior year of college at Indiana University, and a Champion of the Year Candidate for the IN Best Buddies 2017 Champion of the Year Campaign. I was paired (now friends) with people with IDD. Almost every town and several schools have a Best Buddies program, and you will learn so much and gain an outstanding friendship in return."
—Rebecca Hughes, Field Editorial for Palatine, Illinois
Impact Austin
"Impact Austin is an Austin-based women’s collective giving organization, funding Central Texas nonprofits providing services in Travis, Williamson, Bastrop and Hays counties. Impact Austin combines donations from its members to award multiple grants each year to local, worthy causes selected by members. As the son of a woman left widowed at the young age of 48 when my dad died of cancer, and as brother to three sisters, groups that help empower women resonate powerfully with me."
—Tony Cantu, Field Editor for Austin, Texas
The Kennedy Center
"The Kennedy Center provides many services for people with disabilities. The center also helps people with disabilities develop job skills and obtain employment through a number of programs."
—Rich Scinto, Field Editor for Trumbull, Connecticut
Sterling House Community Center
"On Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut, an imposing mansion enjoys a second life as a community center. For nearly 90 years, Sterling House has provided vital services to families in town. Today, the center offers a food pantry and free meal distributions, as well as a wide range of classes, programs and sports."
—Anna Bybee-Schier, Field Editor for Stratford, Connecticut
U.S. Lacrosse Association
"U.S. Lacrosse offers programs like the Soft Stick and First Stick, which exposes the game to diverse communities that otherwise would not have a chance to play. I have taught numerous Soft Stick classes in schools in my hometown of Vernon."
—Chris Dehnel, Field Editor for Northern Connecticut
Daily Bread
"Daily Bread is one of Danbury's largest food pantries, and has been stretched extraordinarily thin by the pandemic. Their Board, managers and volunteers have a clear compulsion to overcome all obstacles to feed the hungry."
—Rich Kirby, Field Editor for Connecticut
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
"I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 43, and was given a 30 percent chance of survival. The LLS gave me tremendous support throughout my ordeal, and I am still kicking strong now at age 55."
—Tim Jensen, Field Editor for Northern Connecticut
Martha's Village & Kitchen
"This organization helps out those struggling in the Coachella Valley (Palm Desert Patch is in this region, as well as the city of Palm Springs, which you likely know better) with food and emergency housing services. Every year since my eldest daughter was born, we've done the annual 5K turkey trot. This would've been her 9th year, and we won't be able to do it in person due to COVID. I'd love to see Patch help out!"
—Renee Schiavone, California Manager
California Fire Foundation
"When wildfire strikes California neighborhoods, the California Fire Foundation works with firefighters on the ground to distribute gift cards to help wildfire victims in shelters buy groceries and other essential items.
The foundation also provides grants to mitigate wildfire risk and help prospective firefighters who can't afford to take necessary exams. CFF seeks to honor fallen firefighters by providing emotional and financial support to their families. Get full details on their scope of work here."
—Courtney Teague, Field Editor for Tri-Valley and Santa Cruz County
Santee Food Bank
"Santee Food Bank is very special to me. My mom helped found it, and they've been in existence since 1983. Most of the volunteers are senior citizens, like my mom, and they have continued to serve the community amid the coronavirus pandemic."
—Toni McAllister, Field Editor for Temecula, California
Just Believe Inc.
"This organization has stepped up to help the homeless in Ocean County, filling a void that the county government has barely acknowledged exists. They provide emergency shelter during Code Blue, but it's more than just shelter: They help people work their way out of homelessness, whether supporting them in their battles against addiction, helping them find work or giving them a place where they can talk about what they're facing and feel safe doing so. Ocean is the only county in New Jersey without any year-round transitional housing for those who find themselves homeless. The work of Just Believe Inc. is incredibly important."
—Karen Wall, Field Editor for New Jersey
Humane Society for Hamilton County and Indianapolis Animal Care Services
"My home county's no-kill shelter. We donate to them almost monthly because there are so many wonderful animals who need love, whether it be a toy, food, treats, medical supplies and more. In addition, the wonderful staff members there need office supplies and more. Our pup has a comfortable life, so we want to help those who don't. Both the Humane Society for Hamilton County and the Indianapolis Animal Care Services have Amazon Wish Lists (linked on their sites) that you can shop/donate on as well."
—Rebecca Hughes, Field Editorial for Palatine, Illinois
Orange County Rescue Mission
"Orange County Rescue Mission has created a village for people experiencing homelessness within Orange County. They are helping children with distance learning, and have a wonderful Christmas event we cover annually. I've seen people's lives changed by this organization, and it is my pleasure to tell their stories."
—Ashley Ludwig, Field Editor for Orange County
The Chad Tough Foundation
"The Chad Tough Foundation raises money and awareness for DIPG, a rare form of childhood pediatric cancer. The foundation is named for Chad Carr, the son of Tami and Jason Carr, who live just outside of Ann Arbor, Mich., and who died at age 5, less than two years after he was diagnosed with DIPG, which is incurable — which makes the work of Chad Tough vital as researchers work to find a cure for this horrible disease."
—Jeff Arnold, Roving Editor
Suncoast Animal League
"Completely dependent upon local donations with no funding from national organizations like the SPCA and Humane Society, this organization takes in some of the neediest animals and gets community-minded veterans and donations to heal them, like the dog who was burned over most of its body after its owner poured lighting fluid over her and set her on fire. She's now healed, has been adopted and is a therapy dog."
—D'Ann Lawrence White, Field Editor for Tampa Bay, Florida
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County
"The importance of having a mentor figure in a young person's life cannot be overstated. I learned this firsthand after I signed up to mentor an 8-year-old boy who was lacking a father figure in his life. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America help make that connection, and its Bucks County chapter is a shining example of that."
—Peter Blanchard, Field Editor for Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Beth-El Homeless Center
The Beth-El Center's mission is to extend dignity and respect to all individuals and families while connecting them to housing, food and services within their communities. Our vision is to create a community where everyone is home and all are fed! Beth-El Center is a 501(c3), nonprofit organization that has two programs: a 34-bed homeless shelter and a food service program.
—Brian McCready, Regional Manager
Americares
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing medicine, medical supplies and health programs. When people are in crisis, we make sure that health comes first. Our emergency programs help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. We provide millions of people around the world access to medicine and supplies. Our clinical services deliver quality health care for people who have none. We create and support sustainable programs that strengthen community health.
—Martha Civitillo, National Sales Director
[NORECIRC]
This article originally appeared on the Across America Patch
