Suggestions on unique charity to donate to as a Christmas gift?

[Minnesota!]

So, looking for a good, unique charity to donate to - maybe something interactive (like, instead of my money going "somewhere" it is providing a chicken for a poor family, or tuition for some child, etc.).


This is for my mom, who wants for nothing but to have us donate to charity as her gift. In the past I have donated to Veteran's organizations, homeless organizations, and, my favorite charity, HopeKids. I try and vary it each year...

Looking for something else this year. Any suggestions? I would prefer it helps domestically vs internationally (mom's wishes...).

Annnnnd...go!

 

[gwynne]

http://www.heifer.org/what-you-can-do/holidays/index.html

Unusual gifts, a flock of chicks, goats....

If you prefer domestic

4H or Future Farmers of America (FFA)
both are wonderful organizations for kids and teens

 

[EMom]

If only The Human Fund was real.

Is there some domestic version of micro loans? Or the thing where you buy a pig or cow for someone? Americans eat them too.

 

[Dawnlight]

Kiva http://www.kiva.org/?gclid=CIDno-3kvckCFQgUHwodCyQAMg

Fisher House https://www.fisherhouse.org/

 

[aejammers]

http://www.donorschoose.org/

From the website:
How does it work?
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on our site, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you.

When a project reaches its funding goal, we ship the materials to the school. You'll get photos of the project taking place, a letter from the teacher, and insight into how every dollar was spent. Give over $50 and you'll also receive hand-written thank-yous from the students.

 

[HM]

http://www.charitynavigator.org

Try this. They list all sorts of charities.
Is there some cause your mother may be more drawn to? Use this site to find one.

 

[HM]

http://www.donorschoose.org/

From the website:
How does it work?
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on our site, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you.

When a project reaches its funding goal, we ship the materials to the school. You'll get photos of the project taking place, a letter from the teacher, and insight into how every dollar was spent. Give over $50 and you'll also receive hand-written thank-yous from the students.

This is a great charity! I don't know why I didn't think about it. I've given to several classroom projects.

 

[Minnesota!]

http://www.donorschoose.org/

From the website:
How does it work?
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on our site, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you.

When a project reaches its funding goal, we ship the materials to the school. You'll get photos of the project taking place, a letter from the teacher, and insight into how every dollar was spent. Give over $50 and you'll also receive hand-written thank-yous from the students.

I do love DonorsChoose....I donate to them frequently, myself. Good idea! Thanks!

 

[cabanafrau]

How about checking with your local Department of Human Services or Family Services Agency? They are grateful to receive funding and/or sometimes packed bags or supplies for bags to be distributed to children who are removed from their homes, often with little to no personal care items -- brush/comb, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. There is also a need for books, toys, games for their family visitation rooms when they have supervised visitation with their parents.

 

[JaxDad]

I like Dreams Come True. Please look it up and consider a donation.

 

[Schminston-Mo]

Kiva does loans and she can pick the person/group she wants to support. Once it is paid back, she can loan the money out again. Though most are international, there are some borrowers in the United States as well.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Your local animal shelter is always a great option, many have amazon wish lists too if you don't want to give cash!

 

[TifffanyD]

I was going to also recommend kiva. Set up an account and when you get paid back you can use it to fund another loan.

 

[Tinks]

Beanelf.org

 

[moniqueand2]

Her local United Way.

https://www.unitedway.org/ to find her the UW closest to her.

 

[tzolkin]

Kiva does loans and she can pick the person/group she wants to support. Once it is paid back, she can loan the money out again. Though most are international, there are some borrowers in the United States as well.

Yes, the interactive element is why we like doing Kiva as a gift (the recipient gets to choose where the money goes). My kids also like doing this because they can use one amount of money to help multiple people over time.

Another idea that has been on my mind this year are children's hospitals and various organizations that work with them. My nephew was diagnosed with stage IV cancer this spring so I have had the opportunity to see so many great organizations and donors that really make a huge difference for the kids and their families. Some big organizations like Make-a-Wish and some tiny non-profits set up in memory of child. Even a small gesture has a big impact when you are in an overwhelming situation and you see that a stranger cares about you.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

If she doesn't mind the religious affiliation, spiritlakeministrycenter.org is located in your area. They provide services for children on Native American reservations.

 

[yoopermom]

Is she an animal lover? Senior pets often have a hard time getting adopted. Most shelters will allow you to "sponsor" a specific animal in need. We do this for my 86yo DSF, and then the shelter sends him a letter when "his" senior dog has been adopted. What's even better is that our shelter has a "seniors for seniors" program, so oftentimes I can sponsor two for the price of one .

Terri

 

[powellrj]

What about something local? We have always given to a womens shelter. One things we would do is furnish a bedroom. Buy new sheets and blankets and pillows along with simple housewares. The first year we did this we gave new items and they were thrilled to have new items. They are also always thrilled to get cash too.

 

[Kae]

How about your Local High School Music or Arts program.

Kae