this time of year, i know many people like to try and contribute towards charitable organizations, in the spirit of goodwill and thankfulness for what they have in their own lives... problem is, i know many of the charities turn out to be crocks.
i was wondering if any of you have donated to a truly worthy cause, if you wouldn't mind sharing, in case anyone is looking for a good cause!
i personally do the Christian Children's Fund (CCF). ( irony, i know. lol) when i was growing up, my parents sponsored a child who was my age, and for years sent him letters and gifts, plus the small pledge they ask for, and he and i were actually able to graduate "together". my husband and i currently sponsor a little girl named shilpa... she's 9 now... i like CCF because they send you an ITEMIZED list of exactly what every cent of your money went to.CCF
i have recently donated to the St. Joseph's Indian School ( help for lakota children). they have the option for non-monetary donations, and you can even save them those "boxtops for education", if you dont have kids of your own who need them. SJIS
anyone else found a good one? or found a scam to avoid?? ( i know some people are wary of denominational charities... see South park: the "starvin marvin in space" episode. ) lol.
( btw... animal charities count too!)
Full Version: Charities..
I support Ronald McDonald houses.
My twins were born @ Hopkins 2 months early and we stayed at the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House on weekends to be near the kids (they were in NICU for over 2 months).
We didn't pay a dime for lodging, meals, parking ("donations" were allowed, but not "encouraged")
We met MANY other parents of sick children there too, it was a real blessing.
Give if you can.
My twins were born @ Hopkins 2 months early and we stayed at the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House on weekends to be near the kids (they were in NICU for over 2 months).
We didn't pay a dime for lodging, meals, parking ("donations" were allowed, but not "encouraged")
We met MANY other parents of sick children there too, it was a real blessing.
Give if you can.
I normally give to the Washington County SPCA because I am a BIG animal lover (although I wish it were a no kill shelter) and Breast Cancer Awareness & Cumberland Valley, Inc. (local). I also give to a Lemonade Stand (VA) that my friend's young grandchildren created for their mother because she was dying of breast cancer. And last, I give to American Cancer Society because my father passed away of lung cancer 4 yrs ago. So I am attached to each of these charities.
I've always been hooked on Samaritan's Purse. They go into alot of war torn countries and set up hospitals. I first got interested, years ago, when our church made Christmas shoe boxes filled with toys. Heartwarming stories of little children opening up the box filled with stuff that our kids have as everyday items....crayons, beany babies, socks with pink ruffles on it. One story, a little girl opened her box and just stared and finally picked out one item. When she was told that she could keep the whole box filled with stuff, she couldn't believe it. Went home and shared it with all her friends.
They also treat people with AIDS and set up homes for young Muslim women that have been kicked out of the family due to pregnancy. I always have a heart for third world countries as I believe our poverty here doesn't even compare. It's founder is Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son.
They also treat people with AIDS and set up homes for young Muslim women that have been kicked out of the family due to pregnancy. I always have a heart for third world countries as I believe our poverty here doesn't even compare. It's founder is Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son.
I, too, like Samaritan's Purse. I try to give to local things, too, like the Humane Society, Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving Drive, and of course, all the arts-related things as often as I can. The other one I like is Heifer Project, which sends farm animals to developing countries.
I generally stay away from the United Fund and Combined Charities campaigns. They get enough money from the masses.
And, I have no regular charity that I contribute to. I prefer to give to the smaller organizations. I've given to a lot of animal welfare charities and even been known to contribute to the tree hugger organizations like the Wildlife Federation.
Plus, Maugansville-Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company gets a sizeable chunk every year and I even donate extra to Community Rescue.
My donation is largely dependant, otherwise, on how generous I'm feeling at the moment when I get the solicitation, and how much extra is in my checking account.
And, I have no regular charity that I contribute to. I prefer to give to the smaller organizations. I've given to a lot of animal welfare charities and even been known to contribute to the tree hugger organizations like the Wildlife Federation.
Plus, Maugansville-Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company gets a sizeable chunk every year and I even donate extra to Community Rescue.
My donation is largely dependant, otherwise, on how generous I'm feeling at the moment when I get the solicitation, and how much extra is in my checking account.
ARC
UCP
UCP
QUOTE (WVDragonlady @ Oct 18 2007, 05:52 AM) 
ARC
UCP
UCP
ARC?
UCP?
I believe:
ARC - Association of Retarded Citizens
UCP - United Cerabal Palsey
ARC - Association of Retarded Citizens
UCP - United Cerabal Palsey
Samaritan's Purse(love the boxes! Kids do them every year--right before the holiday season really starts--puts us in the mood)-I give to them throughout the year; the Salvation Army.
I also donate to help out people like my neighbor's kid--who is doing quite well at the moment. We had a fund raiser at Chick-Fil-A last week..
I stopped giving to the United Way years ago.
If there is a local request, I'm more likely to give locally than to a nationally known charity, as their overhead is usually to big a %. The Salvation Army is an exception--they have very minor overhead.
One year we gave to a charity which builds wells in Africa..forget their name..was started by a young kid here in the good ole USA...
I also donate to help out people like my neighbor's kid--who is doing quite well at the moment. We had a fund raiser at Chick-Fil-A last week..
I stopped giving to the United Way years ago.
If there is a local request, I'm more likely to give locally than to a nationally known charity, as their overhead is usually to big a %. The Salvation Army is an exception--they have very minor overhead.
One year we gave to a charity which builds wells in Africa..forget their name..was started by a young kid here in the good ole USA...
I give singles to girls/single moms working their way thru college 
i roll my CC rewards/cash back to Make a Wish Foundation.
i roll my CC rewards/cash back to Make a Wish Foundation.
Why is it that most people talk about Giving to Charities, around this time of the year.
Now speaking in general, Seem that most people give when the Holidays come around.
And forget about the rest of the year.
I give to the Veterans and Homeless Shelters.
Now speaking in general, Seem that most people give when the Holidays come around.
And forget about the rest of the year.
I give to the Veterans and Homeless Shelters.
QUOTE (sweetliberty2u @ Oct 18 2007, 09:00 AM)
Why is it that most people talk about Giving to Charities, around this time of the year.
i agree. we give year round, to CCF and SJIS, but many people do not have extra to give certain months, or maybe they know this time of year many charities ask for help at the same time, so they wait until they hear about a cause that really hits home with them.
doesn't really matter WHEN you give, as long as you do, if you can.
i know a couple that will donate to a charity on someone else's name, and that is their xmas gift to the family...
for example : "happy holidays to the smith family! a donation of (xy and z) has been made to _______ charity on your behalf)".
Yea, I hear your point and agree. 
People give what they can and that's what counts.
Just wanted to point out that most people give, when the Holidays come around.
People give what they can and that's what counts.
Just wanted to point out that most people give, when the Holidays come around.
QUOTE (sweetliberty2u @ Oct 18 2007, 09:00 AM)
Why is it that most people talk about Giving to Charities, around this time of the year.
Now speaking in general, Seem that most people give when the Holidays come around.
And forget about the rest of the year.
Now speaking in general, Seem that most people give when the Holidays come around.
And forget about the rest of the year.
Here at Fort Detrick we participate in the "Combined Federal Campaign". If an employee wishes, they can designate an amount to come directly out of their check, bi-weekly, to be sent to the charity of their choice. One of the requirements that the charity must meet is that no more than 25% of the donation can go towards the charities' overhead. Each charity posts on the info sheets exactly HOW MUCH goes toward overhead, folks can make an educated decision.
So...if you participate in CFC, you ARE giving all year! (One program the government got right anyhow!).
The problem with the combined campaigns, when they reach their quota of money, then someone else gets your contribution.
So, if you designate, The DaiseyMae Resurrection Foundation, and they already have received their maximum funds as determined by the campaign, then your money may go to the Flipperless Support Foundation, even though you hate that Foundation and would never contribute to them.
So, if you designate, The DaiseyMae Resurrection Foundation, and they already have received their maximum funds as determined by the campaign, then your money may go to the Flipperless Support Foundation, even though you hate that Foundation and would never contribute to them.
QUOTE (Yossarian @ Oct 18 2007, 10:14 AM)
So, if you designate, The DaiseyMae Resurrection Foundation, and they already have received their maximum funds as determined by the campaign, then your money may go to the Flipperless Support Foundation, even though you hate that Foundation and would never contribute to them.
i cannot possibly "BWAHA" in a large enough font to express my amusement.
QUOTE (jelsey @ Oct 18 2007, 10:07 AM)
Here at Fort Detrick we participate in the "Combined Federal Campaign". If an employee wishes, they can designate an amount to come directly out of their check, bi-weekly, to be sent to the charity of their choice. One of the requirements that the charity must meet is that no more than 25% of the donation can go towards the charities' overhead. Each charity posts on the info sheets exactly HOW MUCH goes toward overhead, folks can make an educated decision.
So...if you participate in CFC, you ARE giving all year! (One program the government got right anyhow!).
So...if you participate in CFC, you ARE giving all year! (One program the government got right anyhow!).
WoW, that's great to hear.
Consider this one in Hagerstown: http://www.safeplacecac.org/
It is for abused kids.
And if you know a kid in need, buy directly for them at Christmas.
It is for abused kids.
And if you know a kid in need, buy directly for them at Christmas.
also, i know CASA takes donations of women, children, and infants clothing, diapers, blankets, etc, they just ask that they are in usable condition... ( ie:if you wouldn't wear it because of stains or holes, please don't donate it)
for those who do not know, CASA is "Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused". they have a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children (if any), they connect victims with legal help, and also have abuser intervention programs for the offenders. you have to ring at the door to get in, so they like to have some notice. some of the women there are hiding from abusers, so they don't just let you walk in.
16 W Baltimore St, Hagerstown - (301) 739-4990
for those who do not know, CASA is "Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused". they have a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children (if any), they connect victims with legal help, and also have abuser intervention programs for the offenders. you have to ring at the door to get in, so they like to have some notice. some of the women there are hiding from abusers, so they don't just let you walk in.
16 W Baltimore St, Hagerstown - (301) 739-4990
I've donated to CASA, and it is worthwhile, but given only one choice the kids who have zero say in what happens to them will get the nod from me every time. Most of the abused adults have had some say in their fate. A five year old sexually molested, or an 8 year old beaten up, has none. 
QUOTE (christine_dixon @ Oct 18 2007, 12:17 PM)
also, i know CASA takes donations of women, children, and infants clothing, diapers, blankets, etc, they just ask that they are in usable condition...
Thanks, I often wondered what to do with my women and children... though sometimes the women aren't in so usable condition...
Yoss that was some great stuff there.
QUOTE (Yossarian @ Oct 18 2007, 01:13 PM)
QUOTE (christine_dixon @ Oct 18 2007, 12:17 PM)
also, i know CASA takes donations of women, children, and infants clothing, diapers, blankets, etc, they just ask that they are in usable condition...
Thanks, I often wondered what to do with my women and children... though sometimes the women aren't in so usable condition...
HA!!!!!!!!! *edit* WOMEN's, CHILDREN's AND INFANTS' CLOTHING.
QUOTE (christine_dixon @ Oct 18 2007, 01:22 PM)
QUOTE (Yossarian @ Oct 18 2007, 01:13 PM)
QUOTE (christine_dixon @ Oct 18 2007, 12:17 PM)
also, i know CASA takes donations of women, children, and infants clothing, diapers, blankets, etc, they just ask that they are in usable condition...
Thanks, I often wondered what to do with my women and children... though sometimes the women aren't in so usable condition...
HA!!!!!!!!! *edit* WOMEN's, CHILDREN's AND INFANTS' CLOTHING.
Oh Sweet Jesus, now Yoss is gonna have nekkid women, children and infants in his house.
I give to a few specific charities at Christmas, including the Salvation Army shoebox and Angel Tree. Last year my posse and I adopted a family through local resources, but I doubt we'll do it again this year.
Charities I support throughout the year include:
*Local vollie FD
*State FOP
*Wash Co HSUS
*National HSUS
*Church food bank
I tend to give more money to humanitarian causes, but more (volunteer) time to animal charities. Probably because I usually get along better with animals than people.
I admit to being a sucker for any "container" asking for my money, whether it's a plastic box at the supermarket cash register or the Salvation Army Christmas bucket. I am also a soft touch for kids that come selling crap at my door, especially if it's for a good cause (like Boy Scouts). I buy my requisite candy bar and then tell them to "stay in school." lol Not really... I am not quite that big of a dork.
Charities I support throughout the year include:
*Local vollie FD
*State FOP
*Wash Co HSUS
*National HSUS
*Church food bank
I tend to give more money to humanitarian causes, but more (volunteer) time to animal charities. Probably because I usually get along better with animals than people.
I admit to being a sucker for any "container" asking for my money, whether it's a plastic box at the supermarket cash register or the Salvation Army Christmas bucket. I am also a soft touch for kids that come selling crap at my door, especially if it's for a good cause (like Boy Scouts). I buy my requisite candy bar and then tell them to "stay in school." lol Not really... I am not quite that big of a dork.
I just wrote a huge post on this and deleted it.
Bleh!
Bleh!
Here's a charity for you... http://myfreeimplants.com/
QUOTE (Heather @ Oct 18 2007, 07:58 PM)
Here's a charity for you... http://myfreeimplants.com/
Oh my, That isn't a Charity case, That's a Want.
Because their not happy with what the good Lord gave them.
Charities are base on someone needs, and Not Wants, I got to have it.
It's a darn shame, women can't be happy with their own body's. It's sad, it truely is.
Now I can see where all these young girl get these crazy ideals.
QUOTE (Heather @ Oct 18 2007, 07:58 PM)
Here's a charity for you... http://myfreeimplants.com/
I knew she didn't have breastesses!
I always say, "give to the place that your heart leads you!" Heather's charity is definitely close to her heart!
I'd take small and natural over large and fake, anyday....
QUOTE
Charity Donates Shoes To Those In Need Reported by: Leanne Gregg
Monday, Nov 5, 2007 @12:18pm EST
NBC NEWS - The green movement that's sweeping the nation has touched all aspects of life from how we use energy, to the clothes we wear, to what we recycle.
One Colorado charity is focusing their efforts on shoes.
The organization called "One World Running" collects and recycles running shoes and distributes them to needy people around the world.
Mike Sandrock was competing in a marathon in West Africa 21 years ago when he saw runners with no shoes and bloody feet.
"Here's this guy you know, barefoot, bleeding, he's still beating me. I just remember that trail of blood, and when I got done he was waiting for me at the finish line. He came up and gave me a big hug," said Sandrock.
Sandrock gave him his shoes.
It was the start of what would become One World Running.
Ana Weir is One World Runnning's project director.
She grew up in Honduras and lived side by side with many too poor to buy shoes.
Now between her job as an emergency room nurse, shoes are part of her life's work.
"The satisfaction of knowing that someone is feeling good today because they got a pair of shoes. That's all," explained Ana.
Within the last two decades more than a quarter million shoes have been donated from across North America.
They've taken in 3000 in the last month alone.
Torn ones are recycled.
The good ones are cleaned and disinfected before being shipped to parts of the world where shoes may cost a years salary.
"One runner said, ‘God sent you to us. We had nothing and now we have shoes,’" Mike recalled.
The shoes end up in extremely poor areas of Central and South America, Africa, Asia and in parts of the U.S., including New Orleans.
One World Running accepts monetary donations as well.
It's an all volunteer grass roots project, so no one is paid a salary.
For information on the program and how to donate, click here.
Monday, Nov 5, 2007 @12:18pm EST
NBC NEWS - The green movement that's sweeping the nation has touched all aspects of life from how we use energy, to the clothes we wear, to what we recycle.One Colorado charity is focusing their efforts on shoes.
The organization called "One World Running" collects and recycles running shoes and distributes them to needy people around the world.
Mike Sandrock was competing in a marathon in West Africa 21 years ago when he saw runners with no shoes and bloody feet.
"Here's this guy you know, barefoot, bleeding, he's still beating me. I just remember that trail of blood, and when I got done he was waiting for me at the finish line. He came up and gave me a big hug," said Sandrock.
Sandrock gave him his shoes.
It was the start of what would become One World Running.
Ana Weir is One World Runnning's project director.
She grew up in Honduras and lived side by side with many too poor to buy shoes.
Now between her job as an emergency room nurse, shoes are part of her life's work.
"The satisfaction of knowing that someone is feeling good today because they got a pair of shoes. That's all," explained Ana.
Within the last two decades more than a quarter million shoes have been donated from across North America.
They've taken in 3000 in the last month alone.
Torn ones are recycled.
The good ones are cleaned and disinfected before being shipped to parts of the world where shoes may cost a years salary.
"One runner said, ‘God sent you to us. We had nothing and now we have shoes,’" Mike recalled.
The shoes end up in extremely poor areas of Central and South America, Africa, Asia and in parts of the U.S., including New Orleans.
One World Running accepts monetary donations as well.
It's an all volunteer grass roots project, so no one is paid a salary.
For information on the program and how to donate, click here.
That's a lot of shoes
Nike collects old running shoes and turns them into covering for playgrounds, I think.
Don't forget that there are plenty of places you can donate your old things. Lions Club takes old glasses. PetSmart takes old cell phones and ink cartridges (for animal charity).
It's not only for a good charitable cause, it's also good for the environment (says the tree hugger).
Don't forget that there are plenty of places you can donate your old things. Lions Club takes old glasses. PetSmart takes old cell phones and ink cartridges (for animal charity).
It's not only for a good charitable cause, it's also good for the environment (says the tree hugger).
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