Ten Charities to Which You Can Donate This Christmas Season

The Christmas season is a time of giving and charity, as it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. He taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves, and to help the poor among us. Donating to charity, whether in the form of money, possessions, or time, will not only help someone who is in need, but also feels great! If these do not provide enough of a reason, you can deduct charitable donations when you file your taxes. No matter what your motivation, get into the Christmas spirit by donating to charity! The following ten organizations could use your help!

Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps charity that collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December annually. These toys are distributed to needy children around the United States. You can donate toys, money, or even an old car.

The Salvation Army provides a large social services program to help needy people of all ages. It runs emergency shelters, provides meals, gives emergency utility assistance, operates a missing person's service, and provides housing assistance. The Salvation Army operates thrift stores across the country. You can donate money online, drop off items at thrift stores and donation drops, or give your spare change to bell ringers during the Christmas season.

Spread the mission of Jesus Christ on his birthday by giving to the National Christian Foundation. The foundation is a collective of local foundations across the United States. You can donate your stuff or old car to a local foundation, start a NCF Giving Fund, or donate money online.

The American Red Cross offers disaster relief and emergency response services to communities in need. This non-governmental organization also provides social services and blood to people around the world. Contribute to its mission with an online donation, or give blood in your own community.

Sponsor a child through Children International. The non-profit organization provides essential services to children in poverty stricken regions of the world. Your sponsorship will provide medicine, dental care, clothing, nutritional support, and school supplies.

The Make a Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The organization has granted more than 160,000 wishes since 1980, approximately one wish every 40 minutes! You can help by giving money, airline miles, building materials, or volunteering.

Give the gift of a advanced medical services to a needy child by donating to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. These hospitals provide specialty care and prostheses to children at no cost to families, thanks to donations! Donate money online or print a mailable form to send a check.

The United Way provides educational, healthcare, and monetary assistance to people around the world. You can designate the specific program to which you wish to donate, and designate whether or not you want the funds to stay in your community. You can also volunteer your time and talents at the local office.

Nothing but Nets provides mosquito nets to people in Africa to prevent deaths from malaria. This grassroots initiative began in a Sports Illustrated column written by Rick Reilly, and is now partnered with the United Nations, the NBA, and an array of other supporters. A $10 donation will pay for a net and its assembly, and will help to prevent malaria in Africa.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital specializes in finding cures and treating untreatable diseases in children. All patients are treated whether or not a family can afford to pay for the services. Your donation will help to fund treatment and cutting edge disease research.

There are also many opportunities to donate to charities in your own community. Contact local soup kitchens, shelters, and churches to find out more about donating. Your time and talents as a volunteer may be as valuable to a local organization as a cash donation!

Before donating money to any organization, use the Charity Navigator to learn about charitable organizations' finances. Not all organizations are the same, as some spend more money on fundraising and administration expenses. Ensuring that the majority of your donation is spent on helping people will make Christmas merrier for more people!

Have a Merry Christmas!