Giving back to your community, no matter where it may be, is something that is essential to growth as a person and as a member of our modern society. In college, it is often difficult to find the money or the time to give back to the world around you and to ensure that your well-earned funds are going to a good cause. Many charities have been under fire for questionable distribution of donation money and have been criticized for lying to their supporters.

It is very important that the money and time that you donate goes directly to the cause and helps the people, animals or area that needs it. Some of the most famous non-profit organizations do their best to always put the people at risk first and to distribute their donations and volunteers wisely to make the greatest impact. Here are some of my favorite charities that you could help out by donating or volunteering!

1. The Jimmy Fund

The Jimmy Fund - a part of Dana Farber Cancer Institute - is a Boston-based organization to help beat pediatric cancer. They are supported and loved by cancer survivors and families nationwide. The Jimmy Fund is sponsored by the Boston Red Sox, and each year there is a two-day telethon to raise money for the charity.

The tally board is displayed at Fenway Park and is constantly updated with the millions of dollars that it raises each year. The Jimmy Fund has played a huge role in my life and has saved the lives of millions of people. There are also endless volunteer opportunities at Dana Farber and can create the most rewarding experience for anyone who has been touched by cancer.

2. RAINN

RAINN - Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network - is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created the sexual violence hotline, where survivors of sexual assault can anonymously call in a report a case of sexual violence and get the support they need. The charity also works to carry out events and programs to support survivors, provide resources, create awareness and bring perpetrators to justice.

3. Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is an organization that helps with medical crises where the need is greatest. These doctors travel to foreign countries - both far and near - to help the population.

They provide care to countries and people affected by epidemics, conflicts, disasters or health care exclusion. Over 30,000 doctors and nurses provide care around the world each day. They also work with sanitation experts in order to ensure that the place is safe to live in for the patients, families and local citizens.

4. One Love Foundation

The One Love Foundation works to eliminate the stigma about intimate partner violence. The foundation works to raise awareness of the issue to the young population and help them to realize that it is their issue to fix.

They work to help young people and survivors of partner violence to find their voices and create a lifelong movement. The foundation is present at many colleges and universities and is working to make this issue more and more prevalent in a young person's mind.

5. American Cancer Society

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to free the world from the burden of cancer. They fund and conduct research until this issue can be fully resolved and until all people diagnosed with the horrible disease will be saved and live long and happy lives. They sponsor and create events, like the Relay for Life, where a great amount of money is raised for survivors, families, research and patients of cancer. Cancer has touched so many lives and this charity works to make the world cancer-free.

Giving your time and money to charities and organizations makes life worth living. There are so many issues in the world that require our attention and help people to become aware of the society they live in. It also puts everything in perspective when you realize that some issues are just not a big deal. I was able to find charities that have become close to my heart and I will always continue to do my best to change the world one issue at a time.