Make a Difference with a Donation
There are many different ways to donate to charity. Financial donations seem like the obvious answer, but there are plenty of ways to be charitable if you’re on a tight budget. First, you need to pick a cause to support. If you're not sure where to start, keep reading to learn about different charities to donate to online.
1. Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian charity that works with local churches. They work with different communities and sectors such as women at risk of exploitation and abuse, disadvantaged children, farming families, medicinal aid, emergency relief and clean water.
One of the biggest projects Samaritan’s Purse works towards is providing children with boxes for Christmas. Nicknamed ‘Operation Christmas Child’ the charity asks donors to provide a shoebox filled with items such as toys, health and beauty products, school supplies, books and shelf-stable food items. This helps to spread the Christian message of the holiday and provides disadvantaged children with goods for Christmas.
2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a charity specializing in supporting children with life-threatening or genetic diseases.
A huge amount of their work centers around childhood cancer but the charity works with children battling a vast array of diseases including blood disorders, immune disorders, neurological disorders, genetic syndromes and infectious diseases.
St. Jude also leads several clinical trials including cell therapies and specialized chemotherapy trials. Their work is helping to advance the understanding and treatment process of countless diseases.
There are several ways to donate to St. Jude, including monthly and one-time donations, charitable gifts, fundraising, workplace donations and memorial giving.
3. ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has been one of North America’s leading animal charities since 1866.
They provide essential veterinary care, relief in emergency situations, organize adoptions and run rehabilitation programs as well as pursuing animal welfare research and advocating for animal rights laws.
Instead of setting up their own shelters, the ASPCA collaborates with shelters and agencies across the U.S. to help train and support those fighting animal cruelty and responding to animal crises.
If you are looking to donate to the ASPCA, you can do so on their website, either making a one-time or monthly donation.
4. WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) strives to combat world hunger, primarily targeting starving civilians in developing countries.
The WFP has been providing food and essential care to over 120 countries worldwide since 1961. The charity is driven by the United Nations and has reached over 150 million people in need of urgent care.
For every $1 donated, the WFP assures that 64 cents directly supports programs battling worldwide starvation. The money is used to buy food which is then distributed to those most vulnerable.
To donate, visit the WFP website to set up a monthly donation or provide a one-time donation.
5. Local Food Banks
There are more than 400 food banks currently in operation across the U.S., many of which may be in your local area.
According to Recycle Track Systems (RTS), an average of $218 billion worth of food is wasted every year in the U.S., which amounts to the "equivalent of 130 billion meals." This is largely due to misconceptions of expiration labels and overconsumption of groceries, which are either forgotten about or wasted at mealtimes.
RTS claims that “Americans discard more food than any other country," wasting between 30 and 40% of the U.S.A.’s food supply.
If you're looking to beat food poverty on a local level and think that you may be guilty of wasting too much food, consider donating to your local food bank today.
6. Local Charity Shops
There are plenty of charity shops and thrift stores across the U.S.A such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, that are waiting for donations.
This is a fantastic option if you do not have the budget to donate financially. These shops are happy to receive a wide variety of possessions, anything from hats and scarves to furniture.
The festive period is a great time to clear out and organize your cupboards all while making charitable contributions at the same time.