Posted on 11/21/2007 8:36:39 AM PST by Nevadan
This year we have decided to give our kids an early Christmas gift. We will be taking $25 of the amount we have set aside for each of them for Christmas gifts and giving it to them on Thanksgiving Day. Along with the money will be a list of different charities. They will get to select a charity to donate the money to. Our kids have big hearts already, but we think this will be a good reminder to them of all they have to be thankful for while giving them an opportunity to bless the lives of others.
There are so many worthy organizations that do such good works with the donations given to them from charities dealing with world hunger, medical needs, military families, to faith based organizations. I would like to compile a list to present to our children. What groups do you Freepers out there recommend? If you have a website link to include, that would be great!
By way of disclosure, I am the president of Proud Patriots.
My point, I guess, is that I have given money to many charities and growing up, I was expected to allocate part of my allowance to church and charities, but nothing made such an impact as actually DOING something hands-on. It's been a long, long, long time since I was 10, but I still remember what my folks did (despite their own somewhat meager circumstances) like it was yesterday and my activities today are still being influenced by the tremendous lesson they taught by showing me and my brothers the true meaning of Christmas with their generosity, compassion, and love for their fellow man. By the way, I commend your efforts with your kids, whatever you end up doing ...... you're walking the walk', not just 'talking the talk'.
As I recall, The Salvation Army is one of the most efficient charities. It’s easy to see why.
This year, I would recommend that people only donate to our Veterans recovery. I know others need it also but our Veterans give their all so that we actually have the ability to donate.
I do have to say that Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson’s nonprofit organization BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny, is doing amazing work “Rebuilding the Family By Rebuilding the Man”, improving race relations with straight up honesty, and taking on the race hustlers like Sharpton, Jackson, and the NAACP. www.bondinfo.org. BOND is known for its Home for Boys, After School Character Building Program, Entrepreneur Program, mentoring, counseling, and more.
I’m headed to the grocery store after work today with a shopping list. My wife called the SA yesterday and asked what they needed for Thankgiving, and they’re going to get it.
Alternatively, you can check out Grameen Foundation, it is the financial thinking man's kind of charity. Plenty of lessons to teach your kids regarding the Grameen Bank's mission.
Salvation Army, hands down.
Christian Private Schools
Big Brothers Big Sisters-the Bigs provide a lot of mentoring for the Littles in either school based or community based programs. Drug use, drop out rates decline when an at-risk
kid is involved in the program.
Here is another one to consider! Happy Thanksgiving All.
http://www.fisherhouse.org/aboutUs/history.shtml
As a side note: There is so much depressing news on a day to day basis. Our world is a mess, to put it simply, and those of us who are hardcore news junkies are constantly confronted with it. But I have to remark that just reading over the postings listing organizations that are out there doing good in the world lifts my heart. It is a reminder that along with all bad news, there is much good taking place!
Also, Memphis Union Mission in Memphis, TN does wonderful work.
Not even a caribou.
Boy, that's the truth!
Homes for our Troops
Soldier’s Angels
Wounded Warriors
Children of Fallen Soldiers Fund
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