Favorite Christmas Charities

Christmas is a time for giving and sharing. It should not only be limited to family and friends, but to everyone else too, especially those in need in the community at large. There are several charities that are available in which you can extend this help to people who may otherwise not be able to celebrate the holidays or enjoy it as you are able. Some charity organization will accept clothing, toys, or other merchandise that can be used as gifts for children and families. Other charities prefer monetary donations so they can appropriate the funds evenly to spread to as many recipients as possible. A quick search online will provide you with more charities than you can handle, both national and local. Here are a few of my favorite:

Toys for Tots
I give at least two toys to this organization every year. This is a U.S. Marine Corp sponsored charity and they set up drop boxes and collection centers at retail and service businesses across the country. Not only is this tax deductible, but many locations will give you discounts or coupons for your donations of new, in-the-box toys.

Make a Wish Foundation
This is another of my favorite charities. I love to see people, anyone, having great experiences, especially those in need who's time will be cut short in this world. Experience is what life is all about, not a collection of needless material possessions.

Angel Tree
Angel Tree is a Christian organization that serves to give children an enjoyable Christmas when one or both of their parents are in prison. This national organization works through local congregations to give gifts and parties to these underprivileged children.

Alternative Gifts International
This is an international charity that helps to give needy children life-sustaining and quality-enhancing gifts. On their website at www.altgifts.org, you can choose from 39 gifts in several areas of the world, including Food for hungry Americans, Youth Service Learning in the USA, Hen Houses in Bolivia, Schools in Columbia, Hospital Beds in N. Korea, and Safe Water in Kenya.

Operation Christmas Child
One of the easiest charities to use and make your giving more personalized and pleasurable. All you have to do is pack up a shoe box with toys, small gifts, school supplies, a personal note or greeting card, and it will go straight to underprivileged children overseas.

My Two Front Teeth
My Two Front Teeth is the best interactive charity out there. It is unique in that children chosen by the organization can enter one holiday wish into an online website. You are then able to browse the website and choose a wish to fulfill for these children.

Christmas Spirit Foundation
This organization is a favorite of mine and many other environmentalists. They contribute to the well and enjoyable holidays of children all over the country. The also sponsor a program that delivers live Christmas trees to the families of U.S. soldiers.

The Holiday Project
This is a charity that helps the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals across the U.S. If you have some free time, use it for this organization in preparing gifts and making visits to these lonely and lost seniors. For more information go to www.holiday-project.org.

Samaritan's Purse
This is an international relief organization helping those in America as well as abroad. They are always looking for donations and volunteers. Their current Christmas project is called Operation Christmas Child and they give shoe-boxes filled with gifts to HIV-positive children in India. They can be found online at www.samaritanspurse.org.

American Red Cross
I've saved the best for last. The Red Cross can always use your help in saving the lives of those in need. Please give them either your time, your money, or a little of your blood this year to support their valiant efforts.

All of these organizations are viable ideas for gifts and your charity work this holiday season. Don't reserve your gifts to only family and friends; give to those who could really use it this year.