Making a Difference in Your Community
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Donating to a local or national charity helps deliver essential programs and resources to those in needs. In this article, we're reviewing nine charities to donate to across the United States.
1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides treatment for children with diseases or other life-threatening conditions. Their family never gets a bill for treatment, travel, lodging or food. This helps guarantee their child's health and recovery. Donations support groundbreaking research and helps ensure every child gets world-class care.
2. World Food Program USA (WFP)
The World Food Program USA battles against worldwide hunger. It helps those in times of conflict, natural disasters or poverty. Providing food to those in need helps protect their health. Your donation helps purchase food, distribute it to communities in need and provide life-saving relief to those who need it. They're a top-rated charity in the USA, so your donation will be put to good use.
3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
The World Wildlife Fund is an excellent choice if you want to help endangered animals and protect the planet's ecosystems. WWF undertakes conservation projects all over the world, from saving tigers in Asia to maintaining rainforests in the Amazon. Your gift helps efforts in fighting climate change, decrease plastic pollution and defend key habitats for wildlife. Donations to WWF can go a long way in preserving biodiversity.
4. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advocates for stronger animal welfare laws and finding pets forever homes. Support for the ASPCA's mission means thousands of animals receive life-saving rescue operations, veterinary care and loving families to call their own.
5. Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans who have been hurt, whether physically or emotionally. Their programs include mental health assistance, career advising and community reintegration. Your contributions empower these heroes to start anew and provide the resources necessary to honor their service and sacrifice.
6. Local Food Banks
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the United States, with millions of families relying on local food banks to avoid hunger. Organizations like Feeding America circulate food nationwide through a vast network of food banks. Donating to your community food bank ensures your contributions directly benefit neighbors facing hardship.
7. Direct Relief
Direct Relief efficiently and effectively aids those impacted by crises worldwide. Your donations ensure healthcare facilities can offer life-preserving care to individuals afflicted by hurricanes, wildfires or pandemics. Donations also supply emergency medical equipment worldwide.
8. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity provides hope through transformative redevelopment. Volunteers build homes so families can access affordable houses. This provides independence, and access to affordable housing and sustainable living. Your donation helps build vibrant communities, and ensures the safety of a permanent home to those in need.
9. Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is a religious organization that helps provide aid to people living in poverty, war zones, experiencing famine or suffering from natural disasters. They have programs that focus on disaster response, children's aid, construction for shelters, education, food distribution and more. During the holidays, they also run programs to distribute gifts to children.
How to Choose a Charity
If you're trying to decide where to donate, follow these steps:
- Find a charity that aligns with your values and interests.
- Use websites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar to assess financial accountability.
- Look at charities that prioritizing transparency, and show you how your donation helps local, national or international communities.
These steps will help you feel confident that your contribution is making a difference.