The holidays are such an exciting time. Gift-giving becomes the center of attention, with sales and exchanges and holidays parties. But during the same time of year, many people are still struggling around the world. Whether that be families struggling to put food on the table or people battling serious illnesses, this time of the year can still be painful for many. This holiday season, one of the best ways to experience the joy that comes from celebrating is to give back to those in need. That could be donating on your own, volunteering your time or giving someone the gift of donating in their name. Here are ten of my favorite organizations that could really use your support this holidays season. (This list has been compiled using a few organizations from the top 100 nonprofits list and with some of my favorite organizations to support, using the information from their webpages.)
1. Smile Train.
Smile Train is an organization committed to helping give children born with cleft palates a great chance at a normal life, from helping them to eat normally to ensuring their ability to speak and breathe normally. This organization helps to train doctors and fund the procedures to help these children. Donating to them will not only help kids smile for years to come, but will bring a smile to your face.
2. World Wildlife Fund.
World Wildlife Fund is one of my favorite organizations to support because it does so much to engage communities worldwide. They have six central goals aimed at helping species, the environment and global climate. By teaching and engaging with leaders, young people and corporations , they're doing great work to pave the way for a healthy planet in the future.
3. The Wheelchair Foundation.
The Wheelchair Foundation is determined to make life easier for those without the ability to walk. In countries without the access to medical care that would facilitate wheelchair access, or for families worldwide that can't afford a wheelchair for a loved one, people often find themselves stuck at home endlessly or crawling from place to place in order to enjoy their life. This organization works tirelessly to collect funds to provide people with these chairs and does incredible work to transform lives.
4. Teach For America.
Teach For America is an organization that prepares and employs teachers in low-income communities to help bring student success rates up. In doing so, they're working to help students graduate high school and college at higher rates and to generally improve the lives of students in struggling communities. With your support, more students can receive the education that will propel them into future success and years of achievement.
5. Greenpeace.
Greenpeace is an organization that is committed to bringing volunteers together in starting a movement for environmental awareness. They work hard to advocate for clean energy, ending offshore drilling and even take part in peaceful protests to help protect the planet. Supporting this organization helps to protect the future of the planet.
6. Doctors Without Borders.
This group is one of the most important and simple- doctors from around the world work together to bring people together across borders and territories in order to cure disease. Doctors and nurses work outside politics and nations to ensure that disease is being fought and cured every day in impoverished countries. This organization could use your support any time of the year.
7. Feeding America.
Feeding America is a nonprofit that works to help get food on the tables of millions in the United States. More than ever, gathering together for a meal is special during the holidays, and for those in need, it means a lot to be able to. Their food pantries and soup kitchen feed millions of families and could use your support this holiday season.
8. American Red Cross.
The Red Cross is crucial in providing disaster relief. When communities in the US and abroad are impacted by a crisis or natural disaster, they work to bring volunteers together and to ensure access to blood, etc. is available. Their work to save lives in serious situations has made a huge impact. This holiday season, your donation of funds, time or blood would be appreciated greatly.
9. International Rescue Committee.
The IRC, now more than ever, could use your support. With the situation in Syria and with many other nations, refugees have nowhere to turn or are having trouble getting the medical care and support they need. This organization works to help displaced people, protect human rights and fight for people that are at risk in a humanitarian crisis or situation of a crumbling nation.
10. American Cancer Society.
Cancer impacts everyone, because we all know someone who has been impacted by this terrible disease. The American Cancer Society can always use your support in funding research, teaching about staying healthy and supporting patients. This is a great organization to contribute to this season.
No matter where you are or who you're celebrating with this season, remember that everyone deserves the chance to rejoice and cherish this beautiful time of year. Not everyone gets that chance, but if you have the opportunity, you can help make this a wonderful time of year for someone in need.
