December is the biggest month for charitable giving.

There are the holidays, of course, which remind us to be generous and think of those who are in need. But it's also the end of the year, making it the last chance to donate and qualify for charitable tax deductions.

Regardless of your reasons for giving, there is no shortage of causes in the Nashville area. Many have wish lists on shopping sites like Amazon. Organizations like the United Way provide resources for those who also want to volunteer their time.

The following is a partial list of charities that could use some help. For more information about others, visit HandsOn Nashville, the United Way and others that highlight local charities.

Bethlehem Centers of Nashville

Bethlehem Centers of Nashville provides programs and services for children, youth, seniors and families in North Nashville. The organization's holiday wish list includes new toys for children ages 0-12 years old, socks, gloves, winter hats for seniors and household cleaning products. Monetary donations may be made payable to Bethlehem Centers of Nashville for Holiday Outreach. To donate, email Steven E. Fleming for all inquiries. Drop off or ship items to Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, 1417 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee

Big Brothers Big Sisters is collecting gift cards for parents/guardians to purchase presents for their children. They prefer gift cards from Amazon, Walmart and Target. To donate, email Lauren Sokolosky. Drop off or ship gift cards to 1704 Charlotte Ave., Ste 130, Nashville, TN 37203.

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Community Resource Center

Community Resource Center needs soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers & wipes and feminine products. For a complete list of agency needs, visit their Amazon Wishlist. To donate: email or call Gracen Niazi at (615) 291-6688 for all inquiries. Drop off or ship items to the Community Resource Center, 218 Omohundro Place, Nashville, TN 37210.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville is looking for volunteers to donate their time to help build homes for the needy. The organization is also accepting monetary donations, which are tax deductible. To donate, visit www.habitatnashville.org/donate.

People Loving Nashville

People Loving Nashville is a nonprofit that provides meals, clothing and supplies to people experiencing homelessness. The organization also accepts clothing donations directly, which are organized and distributed. The group, which is religiously-based, is also seeking people to volunteer their time.

King's Daughters Child Development Center

King's Daughters Child Development Center is asking for outdoor riding toys for toddlers and preschoolers, board books for ages 0-3, diapers (newborn - all sizes), pull-ups (all sizes), all free and clear detergent pods, fragrance-free wipes and outdoor mud kitchen toys. To donate, email or call Callie at (615) 865-5164 to schedule a donation drop-off. Ship or drop off items at 590 N. Dupont Ave., Madison, TN 37115.

Matthew 25 Food Bank

Matthew 25 Food Bank (at Glencliff Presbyterian Church) is seeking diapers, baby wipes, Nido (milk powder), rice, oil, corn flour, black and red beans, globes, hats, scarves and coats. To donate, email Renee Kasman. Drop off or ship items to 416 E. Thompson Lane in Nashville.

Medical Foundation of Nashville

The Medical Foundation of Nashville is asking for a variety of personal hygiene and cleaning supply items for patients using its emergency food assistance program. The organization has a complete list on its Amazon wishlist page. To donate, email or callErica Brahan at (615) 712-6237 ext. 102. Drop off or ship items to the Medical Foundation of Nashville, 28 White Bridge Road, Ste 400, Nashville, TN 37205.

The Nashville Food Project

The Nashville Food Project is asking for bagged brown rice, canola oil, olive oil, whole wheat penne pasta and whole wheat rigatoni pasta. Visit their Amazon wishlist for more information. To donate, email or call David at (615) 612-9923. Drop off or ship items to the Nashville Food Project, 5904 California Ave., Nashville, TN 37209.

Nashville Humane Association

The Nashville Humane Association needs toys, cat treats, pet heat pads, chew bones and dog bowls. For a complete list, visit their Amazon wishlist. To donate, email Katie Johantges. Drop off or ship items to the Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Ave., Nashville, TN 37209.

Nashville Diaper Connection

The Nashville Diaper Connection helps those who can't afford the high cost of diapers. As the organization notes, many impoverished parents have to choose between food and getting diapers for their newborns. To donate, click here. Checks may also be mailed to P.O. Box 159128, Nashville, TN 37215.

Oasis Center

The Oasis Center, which helps young people in crisis and those needing other support, is asking for blankets, winter hats, gloves and plus-sized coats. For a complete list, visit their Amazon wishlist. To donate, email Felisha Baquera. Drop off or ship items to 1704 Charlotte Ave., STE 200, Nashville, TN 37203.

Pawster Nashville

Pawster Nashville, which helps pet owners in a crisis, needs pet supplies such as cat litter, dog and cat food and cat trees. For a complete list, visit their Chewy WishList. To donate, email Gabe Horton. Ship items to Pawster Nashville, 3130 Glencliff Rd., Nashville, TN 37211. Drop off donations in person at 2901 Glencliff Rd, Nashville, TN 37211.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is asking for donations of toys for children this holiday season through its Walmart Spark for Good page. To donate, email Misty Ratcliff. Drop off or ship items to The Salvation Army, 631 Dickerson Pk., Nashville, TN 37207.

Shower the People

Shower the People is seeking supplies to help those without homes this winter. Their list contains warm-weather items like blankets, hats, gloves and thermals. For a complete list of agency needs, visit their Amazon wishlist. To donate, email or call Kate Pluister at 615-800-8985. Drop off items at 821 Templeton Dr., Nashville, TN 37205, or deliver items to 6100 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209.

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is seeking twin-, full- and Queen-sized blankets that are new or are only gently used (the organization does not need duvets, comforters or bedspreads). A complete list is on their Amazon wishlist. To donate, email Allison Adams. Drop off or ship items to YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, 1608 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37215.

Frank Gluck is the health care reporter for The Tennessean. He can be reached at fgluck@tennessean.com. Follow him on Twitter at @FrankGluck.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Here's how to donate to Nashville-area charities, causes this season