Everyone loves giving to charity. It’s a fantastic way to give back and feel like you’re making the world a better place. However, it can be difficult deciding which charities are worth your money or time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 5 top holiday charities that will make sure your donation is well spent!
Child’s Play
Child’s Play is a charity that donates toys and games to children’s hospitals worldwide. This doesn’t only include the large, shock-and-awe style hospital complexes with a multi-million dollar budget. They also offer support to small rural kids’ hospitals and those in developing countries. From now until December 25th, they ask for donations of new toys or games. One can either send a physical gift or purchase them from their Amazon wishlist. In addition, you can hold events at your own homes/churches/stores and ask for monetary donations through their donation widget (embedded below).
Heifer International
Heifer International is a great charity to donate to around the holidays because its mission is all about giving gifts that keep on giving. This means that for every donation of $120 or more, you will be providing a family with a cow, water buffalo, sheep, or goat. This gift not only provides the family with milk, eggs, and cheese, but it also helps them become self-reliant by giving them the ability to sell excess animals for income. You can make a one-time donation or start a monthly recurring donation through their website.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is run by Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham. This charity goes out of its way to bring holiday cheer to children in poverty-stricken nations. Their website has delivered shoeboxes filled with toys and hygiene items to over 146 million children since 1993! You can either volunteer your time packing boxes or simply download a form on their website, choose the country you would like it shipped to, and send off some kindness.
Toys for Tots
The US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program is another excellent organization that delivers Christmas gifts straight into the hands of less fortunate kids. As soon as mid-October hits, they begin accepting both new unwrapped toys and financial donations, which are used to buy additional presents throughout the season. Their deadline for donations is December 18th, but you can always donate to a local toy drive in your area as well.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the most recognizable charities during the holiday season. They provide both food and toy assistance to those in need. You can either donate money or goods by dropping them off at your nearest donation center or by mailing them in. They also have an Angel Tree program that allows you to adopt a family for the holidays and provide them with gifts, food, and clothing.