Worthy Causes

Today it seems like there is no one looking out for the little guy. You are constantly hearing about alleged "non-prophet" organizations having people on the payroll making six figure salaries. You also here about charities using your money to sue other charities for using their tag line, ( here a little link to who has been using your donations in the court room http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ ).

Here are few Charitable Organization I give to.

National Charities:

• Ronald McDonald House Charities - http://rmhc.org/
  
• The Ronald McDonald House "provides families stability and resources so they can keep their child healthy and happy. Whether those problems involve how to stay near and support a hospitalized child, how to afford staying together in another city while a child is undergoing treatment, or even getting basic medical and dental care in a vulnerable community." (taken from the Ronald McDonald House website)
• The Salvation Army - http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
  
• I think you would be surprised at how much the Salvation Army does for those in need. I know many crafters are all about finding resources at your local thrift store. I urge you to please check out the Salvation Arm thrift store first.

Local Charities:

• Your Local Library or County Library
• While your local library receives tax money from the government, it is not as much as you would think. The library relies heavily on your donations and book sales for much of their income. The library is an invaluable source that needs your support. Remember the books are free to check out and most libraries have free wifi access now.


• Local Church
• Local churches are usually on the fore front of helping those in need in your community, especially in smaller communities. Churches normally house local food banks, or crisis closets. They are the ones running the local day cares and preschools. They also often host youth events, giving your teen a safe place to hang out.


• Local Food Pantry
• In some areas the city or private organizations have food banks set up to help families and individuals in need. There are many children in the U.S. who's only meal is the one they receive at school. We live in a country where obesity and hunger are equally an issue.
• An easy way to help your food bank is when things are "buy one get one free", donate the free one; you are helping others with out it costing you anything. Quite often you can leave your donations right at the grocery store, and they will make sure the donations are taken to the food bank.
  
• Local Youth Programs
• There are a wide variety of youth activities that are in need of help. Your youth sports teams are one area that could use support. Quite often children are not involved in local sports teams because their parents cant afford to cost of registration and uniforms, you could sponsor a child insuring that they learn the vaulable lesson that only orginized sports can teach.
• You could also sponsor a child at a local dance studio. 
• You will not regret investing in a child because it can have an impact that will last a life time.

Here is an awesome website that can help you find a Charity to give too.

Charity Navigator  -  www.charitynavigator.org/

Check back soon there will be more to come.
Also I would love to hear from you on where you donate, whether it be your time, and/or money.