The holiday season is a time for giving, and donating to charities is a meaningful way to spread joy and make a difference. It seems like there are an endless number of organizations in need of support. In some cases, there are even scams out there. Of course, you want your hard-earned money to go to a cause you really care about. To help you make an impact, we’ve put together a list of the top five charities you might consider giving Christmas donations to this season.
1. Toys for Tots: Bringing Holiday Cheer to Children in Need
Your city likely has a Toys for Tots chapter. This organization collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to families who aren’t able to afford gifts for Christmas. You can contribute to the cause by donating toys or making a financial contribution. Local collection sites are also usually looking for volunteers. Supporting this charity helps ensure that kids are able to experience the magic of Christmas, no matter what their economic status is. Your Christmas donations could make a world of difference.
Some details about the organization: Toys for Tots has been spreading holiday cheer to underprivileged children since 1947. It is managed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. According to the website, the main goal is “through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s economically disadvantaged children.” Walt Disney actually designed the organization’s well-recognized poster with three train cars in 1948. Since then, it has served as the org’s logo. For over 70 years, Marines and volunteers have distributed 677 million toys, books, and other gifts to 301 million economically disadvantaged children.
2. Feeding America: Fighting Hunger During the Holidays
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, working tirelessly to provide meals to families in need. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) survey, 89% of US adults feel stressed during the holidays and 41% report higher stress levels than at other times of the year. Much of this is due to financial obligations. As families face increased financial stress, food insecurity also increases. That’s where Feeding America comes in. It’s fairly easy to get involved with Feeding America. At this time of year, there are usually places where you can drop food donations. You can also donate as little as $1, which can provide up to 10 meals for people in need. Other ways to show your support include volunteering or hosting a food drive.
Some details about the organization: Feeding America’s story started in the late 1960s. A mother visiting a local meal program suggested that there should be a place where people could pick up the food they need, rather than it being thrown away. That is when the food bank system was born, ultimately birthing the idea behind Feeding America. Today, Feeding America has a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries, and meal programs in the United States. In 2023, the organization helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need.
3. Make-A-Wish Foundation: Granting Life-Changing Wishes
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, bringing hope and joy to their lives. You’ve probably heard about what they do, but you might not have ever considered how you can help their mission. Around Christmastime, the foundation works extra hard to grant as many wishes as possible before the year is over. Providing them with Christmas donations at this time can help fund magical experiences for these children during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Some details about the organization: Make-A-Wish got its start in 1980. Christopher James Greicius was a seven-year-old boy who was fighting leukemia. He wanted to be a police officer and his community pulled together to make his wish come true. His story catapulted the organization into existence. Now, a wish is granted every 33 minutes in the U.S. and its territories.
4. The Salvation Army: Supporting Communities in Crisis
The Salvation Army is a global organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and families in need around the world. Their services range from offering shelter to homeless individuals to providing food, clothing, and financial aid. During the holiday season, their Red Kettle Campaign is a familiar sight. You’ve likely seen Santas ringing their bell and asking for Christmas donations already this year. In addition to its Christmas program, the Salvation Army provides religious services, disaster response services, social service programs, casework and counseling, youth services, seniors centers, human and sexual trafficking advocacy, veterans services, and prison services. There are several ways you can help too. Of course, you can donate money. The organization also accepts item donations and vehicle donations to help those in need. You can also volunteer or plan a fundraiser. If you’re planning out your will, you can also write in that you’d like to leave a certain amount to the Salvation Army.
Some details about the organization: The Salvation Army got its start in London in 1865, with the Red Kettle Campaign beginning in 1891. Now, the organization serves people in 134 countries around the globe. Last year, the Salvation Army assisted 27 million people in the U.S. alone. While it is a religious organization, its mission is to provide aid to those in need without discrimination.
5. Operation Christmas Child: Sending Joy Around the World
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to children in need worldwide. At Christmastime, it is a great way to give back. It encourages individuals, families, and churches to get involved by packing their own shoeboxes or making a financial contribution to help. Each shoebox represents hope, love, and joy for a child who may have never received a gift before. By participating in Operation Christmas Child, you can bring the spirit of Christmas to children in even the most remote corners of the globe. You can even make it fun and plan a shoebox-packing party with family and friends. Although National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child ended on November 25, there are still several drop-off locations accepting shoeboxes and donations through mid-December.
Some details about the organization: Operation Christmas Child is a project led by Samaritan’s Purse. In 1993, the President of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, received a call from someone in England asking if he’d consider filling shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children in Eastern Europe. Graham actually forgot about his promise to send these gifts and when he was called on to send them, he reached out to a pastor in Charlotte. Pastor Ross Rhoads of Calvary Church got his congregation together and they managed to fill 11,000 shoeboxes. With help from more friends in Canada, Samaritan’s Purse was able to send 28,000 total shoeboxes that year. By 2012, that number grew to 100 million and to more than 220 million today. Since its inception, Operation Christmas Child has reached kids in 170 countries around the world.
Give the Gift of Hope This Christmas
Donating to charity during the holiday season is a powerful way to spread kindness. Your donations, whether big or small, don’t go unnoticed. Each of these organizations wouldn’t be able to reach the massive number of people they do without help from individuals like you. Whether you choose to donate toys, food, or funds, your contributions can literally change someone’s life. In the end, it’s about bringing joy to those who need it most this season.
Do you have any organizations you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
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