Find the right Charity for you

 Most of us have given to a charity at some point and continue to put in a dollar here and there whenever we see a donation jar or a charity worker asking for donations. We try to do what we can to help others in need. It's not easy in today's economy to be able to dig deep into our pockets. I'm not rich or even close but we do o.k., so i feel that every now and then, if I have a few bucks to give, I will help. 

I feel privilaged to be living in the United States with our freedoms and richness. Although, personally, for my family, we have times where we are barely getting by, but it has been put on my heart to do more. I very much would like to give more so I am doing some research in different charites and would like to share some of them with you.  Some I am considering for myself, especially sponsoring a child.  I've tried to put in a variety of types of charities you may consider contributing too, as I will also.

You may have heard of Samaritan's Purse which is headed up by Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. This organization is well known for Operation Christmas Child which distributes shoeboxes with necessities and toys for children in poverty stricken countries. I've put a few of these boxes together and it is easy and affordable to prepare one or two of these boxes. This is a great project to get your church involved with if they aren't already. If you have young children, this is a fun charity for them to get involved in because they will be able to pick the things to put into the shoebox, within Samaritan's guidelines. There are many other ways you can help. Check out the website.

Greatergood.org is a wonderful way to help needy children get books in their hands so they can enjoy a life of literacy and learning. Many of these kids don't even have one book. You can donate as little as $1.

Another great literacy program, Dollar General Literacy Foundation has helped countless individuals learn to read to become productive in our society.

Consider sponsoring a child if you have about $30-$40 a month you can give to make a desperate child's life better. Many of these organizations will allow you to exchange letters, photos and keep track of your sponsored child's progress as their needs are met and they grow into thriving, happy adults. Here are just a few you can check out:

Compassion.com

World Vision

SOS Children's Villages

It may sound funny to some people, but it's no laughing matter - you can donate a Heifer, sheep, goat or flock of chicks to a needy family. This is one I'm definately considering. It's so simple and can help a family for a long time.

I just cannot include as many sites as I would like and there are many, many more organizations and groups that are so important and should not be left out, however, it's just not possible to include every type of charity or fundraising organization.

National MS Society

National Cancer Institute