Charitable Donations in Memory of Mom for Mother's Day

On the second Sunday in May each year, we celebrate Mother's Day. As business swells for florists and restaurants, have you ever considered how to honor your mom's memory? Sure you can visit her grave site, but making a charitable donation to one of her favorite organizations can pay tribute to her while helping those in need. From breast cancer research, an animal shelter, to the local senior center where she played poker, the opportunities are almost endless. Following are ten ideas for making Mother's Day charitable donations in memory of mom.

1) Breast Cancer Research - Make a charitable donation in honor of your mother to the
National Breast Cancer Foundation at www.nationalbreastcancer.org or by mail by sending a check to National Breast Cancer Foundation 2600 Network Blvd. Suite 300 Frisco, TX 75034. Another great charity for breast cancer research is Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - online donations at www.komen.org and by phone at 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

2) American Heart Association - This wonderful charity works to research and educate people about America's number one killer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Donate in mom's honor at www.americanheart.org.

3) Red Cross - Short on funds? How about a donation of blood in your mother's memory this Mother's Day? The American Red Cross makes it easy to donate. Locate your neighborhood chapter, make a convenient appointment, and just do it! You could be saving a life. Find your local Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

4) Animal Shelter - Was your mom an animal lover? You can make a charitable donation to the SPCA or Humane Society in her name. These organizations help with pet vaccinations, adoptions, and education. See www.spca.com and www.hsus.org for information.

5) Art Museum - For the art lover, you could make a monetary donation to a national museum, or even donate collector pieces to a local museum. This option requires you to contact the facility of your choice.

6) Library - A donation of money or books would be welcome at most libraries. If your mother was an avid reader, this would be the perfect way to honor her memory.

7) Senior Center - Did your mom spend time socializing at a senior center in her town? If so, what better place to give a Mother's Day donation to? Money could be used to update the interior, the yard, or just to purchase supplies. This would be a much appreciated gift.

8) School - Help fund a school if your mother was an educator. Elementary schools through universities need all the help they can get. Money can go towards books, computers or a scholarship.

9) Political - For those that grew up with an activist mother, a contribution to a political cause would be fitting. Money can be sent a specific organization, political party, or to a candidate.

10) Environmental - If mom was a nature lover, a gift to a botanical garden, park, or environmental cause would be a great tribute.

Mother's Day charitable donations are a spectacular way to honor your mom. The choices are almost endless. You mom was one of a kind, why not give a one of a kind gift to an organization that pays tribute to her?