Charitable Organization suggestions

[trekkieb47]

I want to ask if people have any suggestions on great and worthy charitable organizations to donate to?

Let me know who they are, where they are on the web and why you think they are a good organization.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it.

Berry

Comments

[dreambelieve]

Autism Speaks!!! :0) AS is one of the places that I donate my time and money to. They help with research, programs and aids for dealing with an autism spectrum diagnosis. All money donated to the Chicago chapter helps the Chicagoland area. There are many fundraisers throughtout the year including a walk, motorcycle ride and our upcoming Heroes Ball. I've found the local folks to be amazing people who care not only about finding a cure, but helping adults and children who are on the spectrum.

[trekkieb47]

That's a great suggestion! My brother has Asperger's syndrome, which was originally mis-diagnosed as ADHD.

Thanks!

[halonoir]

The one I've used for the last 2 years is KIVA.org. You don't exactly "donate", so much as "lend". It's a great way to help entrepreneurs in impoverished companies help themselves. By expanding their businesses, they can better care for their families.

It's also a fun way to help someone because you get to read the profiles and choose exactly who you're helping. Then after the money is repaid, you can either withdraw it or choose another person to help. I really think it stretches the help your money gives a lot further than just the "one-shot" that a charity buying food or clothes would do.

Here are the people I've helped so far:
http://www.kiva.org/lender/halonoir

[tastee_wheat]

Heifer International is something a little different.

Also, I'm participating in fundraiser bike rides for the American Diabetes Association and National MS Society in the spring if you might be interested in helping a gal out. ;)

[trekkieb47]

You are the second person to suggest Heifer International (other suggestion was through Facebook).

Thanks!

[flyingwild]

I've donated to Child's Play before - the charity for children's hospitals run by Penny Arcade. My brother spent a decent chunk of the past 6 years at Children's Memorial, and my aunt works there.

[deedz26]

1) PAWS Chicago....whose goal is to make Chicago a No-Kill City for homeless animals.

2)VH1's Save the Music.....whose goal is to make sure that music education programs aren't removed from school curriculum's...it is proven that a music class helps students in Reading and Math.

3) To Write Love On Her Arms(TWLOHA)....whose goal is to help those battling addiction, depression, self injury, and suicide. This is an organization very close to my heart.