What is the most worthwhile charity you support?

1. 70

   rhamsonposted 15 years ago

   Is it cancer research or feeding children that most empowers you through donating to their causes? Please pick one or two that are important to you and possibly why.

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   1. 89

      Paragliderposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I've supported Red Cross for years. It seems to me that to the limit of their powers they go where they are most needed, facing hardship and danger, and are nonjudgmental in their work. When I was a bit younger, I wrote asking if I could work for them directly and they said I was actually more use to them doing what I was doing on the outside, earning money and contributing regularly. Their honest answer impressed me too.

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         weholdthesetruthsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I used to be of that mindset, too, until I was involved in providing relief efforts in the aftermath of Katrina.    We found out the Red Cross is very "crony driven" when it comes to who, what, where, and how the money is spent. 
         
         My respect for the Red Cross sank to near nil after discovering it delayed our volunteer efforts to provide desperately needed services (we didn't ask for money) so it could award a huge, profitable contract to big business, instead. 
         
         The RC refused to allow the volunteer efforts, as it was the gateway to permits to truck in supplies to the effort, and it refused to authorize US, so our guys sat in hotels for 10 days, unable to do a single useful thing, because the ARC refused to allow us permission to transport our materials.   All so it could award a nice, fat, very profitable contract to a big company... to do exactly what we would have gotten done 8 days prior. 
         
         And that was repeated all over the region, again and again.   
         
         The ARC has sadly, become crony capitalist and politically entrenched.   A gut wrenching thing to have to say about an organization that once aspired to the highest ideals of charity and neighborhood.

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   2. 58

      MPIvyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      The Salvation Army, mostly because they are so efficient in disasters.  I still remember them as being first and best after Hurricane Katrina.  The Salvation Army has also started something I wish ALL charities and non-profits would do:  allowing a donor to check "please don't contact me again this year" or whatever time designation one chooses. (I hate sending money, just to get more junk mail as a "thank you now give some more.") 
      
      Habitat for Humanity is equally impressive.  They are constantly adapting their approach to accommodate the most people and they offer building programs for women to become builders.
      
      Heifer is wonderful as well because for a very small amount, you can help a family start microbusinesses by raising chickens or milk goats.
      
      I also value environmental organizations and public television and radio, but those aren't charities so I'll stop! Or maybe I'll figure out how to create a general hub poll and see how many people support what.  HINT: some tech savvy person out there, if you get to it first, that's great! It will take me weeks.

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   3. 0

      cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      well it's not really a charity...it's more of a foundation...the ASU Foundation, which helps students at Arizona State University. i also give money to the WWF, the Nature Conservancy, and the ASPCA. i only mention this because they are all wonderful organizations and i want to give them a little press in this post.

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   4. 61

      pinkboxerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The Salvation Army. Highly effective. I am a giver.

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   5. 57

      gracecharityposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I donated my boat to boats2charity and they came and picked it up at no extra cost to me.  The proceeds went to help those in my community who were in need as well as I was able to receive  tax deduction that helped me for several years. It felt great to be able to help the less fortunate and for myself to be able to benefit from my donation in was such as taxable deductions. Find out more by going to http://www.boats2charity.org and by searching on the IRS website for more information. They accept donations of every kind and most are tax write-offs. Seemed like a win-win situation

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2. 63

   Lisa HWposted 15 years ago

   Feeding children (or anyone) is a big one, of course.
   
   The March of Dimes has a special place in my heart because preventing congenital anomalies and/or premature births is a good cause, I think.  Besides, I had my own premie (a healthy one, but it was scary nonethless). Also I had a cousin who went through a lot of surgeries and struggles to walk as a child; and it was like the whole, extended, family was rooting for her to be able to walk for years.    So, the March of Dimes is a natural for me.
   
   The Heart Association.  Besides the vast numbers of people affected by heart disease, my two parents both died as a result of it.  I guess I kind of feel as if I owe it to them to support the American Heart Association.

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3. 70

   rhamsonposted 15 years ago

   I can't believe this is all the people in this forum who donate to a charity can you?

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4. 63

   Lisa HWposted 15 years ago

   I don't think it is.  Some just haven't weighed in, would be my guess.  Some, too, may just kind of give to whatever charity requests it and not have any particular "favorites".  A couple of years ago a study was reported, saying that American individuals give more to charity than any other group (including corporations and foundations).  I'll give what I can to any well established charity.  I think that's what most people do.  It just happens that two of those I mentioned have particular meaning for me.

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5. 0

   A Texanposted 15 years ago

   My sons wedding is the biggest charity at this time, but usually the local food banks and of course Veterans groups.
   
   I really don't know what happened to the Brides parents paying!

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   1. 70

      rhamsonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Thats okay I have three charities.....er sons I donate to sparingly.
      
      I try to regularly donate to the American Cancer Society and Special Olympics as well as the local food bank.  All equally dear to my heart

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6. 92

   livelongerposted 15 years ago

   I donate mostly to local charities (some education-focused, some homeless-focused, some disease-focused), a handful of international charities, and just one or two national ones. I also donate when there's a big post-disaster appeal.

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7. 65

   Mishaposted 15 years ago

   My parents

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8. 84

   jiberishposted 15 years ago

   My daughter!

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9. 60

   flread45posted 15 years ago

   I support the homeless centers

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10. 59

    deartfuldodgerposted 15 years ago

    I donate time far more than money.

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11. 61

    Colebabieposted 15 years ago

    Invisible Children.
    
    I have attended many of the screenings and hosted two of them at my school. I have also attended the campaigns. It is an amazing organization started by three college students. It shows the power of young people and the importance of helping others.

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12. 60

    Valerie Fposted 15 years ago

    I was going to say, for those of us who donate to or volunteer for multiple charities, it's hard to name one we deem most worthwhile. They're all the most worthwhile.

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13. 0

    Leta Sposted 15 years ago

    Big Brothers Big Sisters, Disabled American Veterans.
    
    Of course, I worked for a couple nonprofits when I first graduated from college...so I don't know if those also count:  Literacy programs, programs for refugees.  Amnesty International is also a good one for those with political interests.

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14. 79

    europewalkerposted 15 years ago

    Susan B Komen,Habitat for Humanity and Alzheimers Association, (my mother has alzheimers)

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15. 85

    Marisa Wrightposted 15 years ago

    I am a member at Kiva, which is better than a charity to my mind.  Other than that, I don't consistently support any one charity.  My only rule is that I never donate to any of the charities which work in developing countries, because havnig worked in Africa for three years, I've seen first-hand where most of the money ends up - and it's not with the people who need it.

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    1. 74

       earnestshubposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       
       That is so sad. I assumed it was so from the little that seems to get to those who need it, but you have seen it firsthand, so I guess that would be an appalling thing to see personally and hope it changes.
       Our family sponsors children and their villages in Africa with a monthly payment. We get regular correspondence from the children, and things are getting better in their villages.

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16. 60

    tony0724posted 15 years ago

    UNICEF and the MAKE A WISH foundation , anything that makes a childs life better I am In full support of !

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17. 61

    VENUGOPAL SIVAGNAposted 15 years ago

    Be it child or man, feeding the hungry is the most charitable thing in this world. That enables that person to prolong his existence. A hungry person, be it child or grownups, cannot analyse anything. A Tamil proverb says: "Hunger comes, everything goes"

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18. 60

    Valerie Fposted 15 years ago

    I don't consider these causes any more worthwhile than the others I support, but this jumps out in my mind because at the moment I am working on a benefit for the USO, Fisher House, and Wounded Warriors Project.
    
    http://www.freewebs.com/herosfallen/

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19. 66

    Make Moneyposted 15 years ago

    I sponsor a foster child in India through an organization called Chalice.  They don't use charitable funds collected for advertising so I don't mind giving them a plug here.
    
    I give to Development and Peace through the church that I attend, mostly around Easter time.
    
    I have given to the Covenant House, an organization in Toronto that takes in and supports street kids until they are on their feet.  I have given to the Fatima Network in the past.
    
    My mother died of complications due to diabetes.  Although she could still see a bit she was classified as blind for the last few years of her life.  She got a lot of help through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).  Although I have not given to the CNIB myself I feel that it is a worthy charity.
    
    A couple of years ago I read that some of the large charities use up to 80% of the charitable donations that they take in for administration.  And some large organizations take charitable donations to redistribute to other large charities so with these I imagine not a lot gets to the charity after administration costs.  Here in Canada Habitat for Humanity is only available to those that don't really need it (my opinion).

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20. 82

    VioletSunposted 15 years ago

    I donate to an organization that helps individuals who need help to pay a bill such as a utility, rent or for a personal need that is impacting their independence (such as a wheelchair). I also contribute to the Red Cross when natural disasters arise. All charities are important, one needs to follow one's heart.

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21. 0

    Car Donationsposted 14 years ago

    I donate to a charity that is in desperate need. I have been focusing my charity efforts in Detroit Michigan. Mainly because the homeless and unemployment rate is so bad. If anyone has been in the Detroit Michigan area, you know what I am talking about.

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22. 61

    SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

    actually work for a group that advocates for low income children/families and mental health and addictions issues.
    previously worked around music 2x, AIDS group and mental health - the more severe illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, etc.
    
    Volunteer with a music society;  volunteered with a group dedicated to homeless issues; donate to cancer and heart and stroke; donate to the local united way - directly goes back into the community.
    
    And, am seriously thinking about connecting with an international group to work in 3rd world countries - making a difference with the basics of life such as water...

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23. 87

    rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

    I donate to a few charities both monetarily and with clothing, books, etc. the American Heart Association and various Veterans groups, Vietnam Veterans, AmVets and one I found last year is
    for wounded EOD families http://www.woundedeodwarrior.org/
    
    some people feel they can't donate for financial reasons, but even a small sum can help or donating time or volunteering services is very rewarding.

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24. 66

    Mutiny92posted 14 years ago

    I was going to say my PayPal account, but then I realized that it all belongs to my wife!
    
    I support http://www.peregrinefund.org/

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25. 66

    RKHenryposted 14 years ago

    Humane society and the Arts.

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26. 67

    GivingJOEposted 14 years ago

    Breast Cancer Foundation

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    1. 61

       SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good for you Joe - u've been touched somehow?...

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       1. 67

          GivingJOEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          My best friends mother was diagnosed a few years ago and she was lucky enough to beat it.
          
          Same story with my grandmother.
          
          I am grateful those close to me were able to beat breast cancer, but I know there are plenty of others who aren't so lucky. I think it's very important to help women fighting breast cancer. I know I wouldn't be anywhere without the women in my life.

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27. 70

    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    I have a few and the choice of being most worthwhile is not easily answered.  I feel that the War Amputations of Canada is at the top of my list as they help out all amputees (from new borns to veterans) with any time of birth defect, accidents and any other causes of amputation with support, prothestics, financial help, job placements, etc.  They are also heavily into educating the public (especially children) regarding physical safety through many forms of media and live presentations.

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28. 50

    Flobowposted 14 years ago

    Soldiers Angels for sure. Our way of life....our Freedom is not Free. I was a Veteran's Nurse and was injured in this line of work. Every nurse that works at a VA Hospital most likely stays because of the Veterans. As a group, they are the most grateful human beings I have ever met.I've traveled from the Tundra of Alaska to Dominica and have yet to find a more receptive group who cares so much. They have given their lives as blank checks so that we may enjoy the Freedoms we have. Our soldiers carry on the cost of keeping us free despite many tragedies they endure. Our Soldiers and Angels need us. I've never found a better organization though I've looked at many. Being involved with this organization has meant a lot to me as a disabled Registered Nurse. It has given me an opportunity to give back to those who maintain our Freedom. Freedom is NOT Free. It comes at a great cost. Please come home today and adopt a soldier of your very own. You'll find me at www.soldiersangels.com  Thanks!

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29. 61

    MPG Narrativesposted 14 years ago

    Autism Spectrum Australia and other Autism / Asperger causes. People afflicted with these conditions are affected for life and the severity of the condition is from very mild to severely disabled. The wide spectrum makes it difficult to find a cure and to provide the right type of resources.

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30. 61

    VENUGOPAL SIVAGNAposted 14 years ago

    As far as I know, the Missioneries of Charity, Kolkatta (Calcutta) is the most worthy charity. Based on its record, no one can deny the task undertaken for over 60 years by that Institution. Founded by Mother Theresa, a nobel prize winner, that Charity cares for the poor, orphans, it is really amazing to see a group of people serving the poor children with a selfless heart. That institution is fit for awarding Nobel Prize every year.

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31. 70

    leni sandsposted 14 years ago

    I donate time and money to http://www.oxfam.org.uk/...currently they need us to help them in their efforts to help the people of Pakistan in the worst flooding ever. See my hub http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Relief-effo … ods-Appeal.  I also support Autistic Spectrum Disorder charities when I can.  I worked with children with ASD for a number of years.

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32. 61

    wearetheanswerposted 14 years ago

    I am currently donating meal pack food relief through XANGO. They are an MLM, but that is not why I am in it. I am only there to feed hungry kids around the world. I like the fact that I can feed 35 hungry children around the world every day. The donation goes through to Americares who distributes the meal packs personally, with no red tape. and I was easily able to set up an auto distribution for each month so I don't forget. The meal packs feed mostly mal-nourished children who can't eat solid food. Basically, kids who have entered the starvation stage. After time, their stomach can handle solids again.

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    1. 57

       gracecharityposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I believe any charity that supports hungry children and their well being is what it the most important. The education and care of our children, the fostering of morality and the promotion of excellence through the practice and implementation of ethical values is what is dear to my heart.

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33. 60

    mikelongposted 14 years ago

    I work for the Los Angeles Youth Network which, for the past 25 years, has been operating homeless shelters for unaccompanied youth here in L.A.
    
    While we see 350 or so youth per year (with 85 percent of these young men and women transferring successfully to stable living either independently or with a family..and not returning to homelessness), there are over 5000 youth on the street here every night....
    
    We are the only shelter for youth that provides critical, transitional, but more importantly, long term care (up to 10 years) for our youth....
    
    Los Angeles leads the United States, by far, in terms of both its homeless and homeless youth populations...
    
    We only have 48 beds however...
    
    If there was an organization worth donating to, I can't think of many better than the LAYN......
    
    LAYN.org.  Check us out...

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34. 94

    habeeposted 14 years ago

    I go to DFACS and ask for their neediest families. We then purchase clothes, shoes, school supplies, and toys at Christmas. I also like to give directly to people I hear about who I know are truly in need. In either case, there's no "middle man." The money/goods we give all go to those in need, with no overhead. I do sometimes donate to charitable organizations, too, including animal shelters and rescues.

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35. 81

    Sufidreamerposted 14 years ago

    Some excellent causes here, folks - this thread shows the true generosity of the Hubpages community.
    
    I used to support Medicins Sans Frontieres, and still give when I can. I also support 'Friends of Northern Taygetos,' a local organization that looks after the unique nature in this area and who were instrumental in turning back the wildfires a couple of years ago.
    
    Other than that, most of our spare time and money goes into looking after sick cats and orphaned Greek kittens - we hope to register as a charity soon

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36. 60

    joaniembposted 14 years ago

    I support St Jude's hospital. Great organization helping children and families get through a most difficult time. No child should have to suffer from cancer, and this organization is a caring and giving place. This hospital cares about the child and what the parents are going through.

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37. 65

    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    My family

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38. 0

    Car Donationsposted 14 years ago

    I find the Vietnam Veterans of America to be the best charity to donate to that helps veterans.
    I also like carsfightingcancer and they help cancer research.

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39. 59

    h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

    There are so many in need and I wish I could support more.
    Cash when we can to the American Cancer Society, Salvation Army.
    We donate time and I make blankets for the crisis pregnancy center.
    We save all the shampoo, soap, etc from hotel stays for the homeless shelter too.
    Houshold items we give to the advocates for battered women.
    Food items we bring to the food pantry at our church.

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40. 61

    SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

    ...couple...primary one is Canadian Cancer Society

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41. 59

    dipbdposted 14 years ago

    Save the Children for performing excellent work in the third world country.

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42. 65

    Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

    Mrs. Greek One

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43. 0

    klarawieckposted 14 years ago

    United Way and Florida Special Olympics. I also support the Humane Society and many programs related to Music Education in public schools.

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44. 60

    Lifeallstar1posted 14 years ago

    St. Jude Children's Hospital. Awesome charity! Also, the charities that give gifts to children at Christmas time. I pick a bunch of kids from the giving tree (with their info on it) and go out shopping for them. That's a lot of fun. I also help with different functions that charities(Red Cross, Jr United Way..and so on) are putting on locally, usually do to with kids. Although, some are for animals and adults.

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45. 60

    Alien invasionposted 14 years ago

    i want to donate to parks and recreation. And then start a fire......
    
    What?! I was talking about a camp fire.

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46. 59

    J.R. Smithposted 14 years ago

    Operation smile. cleft palate and dental care for children in third world countries.

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47. 61

    Betty Zeritisposted 13 years ago

    I support four Australian Charities by donating 5% of my sales to them on an ongoing basis, but my customers get to choose how the funds will be shared.
    
    They are Petrea King's Quest for Life, Inala, Kids for Life and Clothes Line. They are wonderful community based charities who make a big, fast and real difference in peoples daily lives.
    
    Their approach to helping others is practical and also supports the carers, family etc. I do personally support the bigger charity organisations but my new business will work hard to raise awareness and funds to support the work of these four.  http://www.passitforwardgifts.com.au/charities.

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48. 60

    Woman Of Courageposted 13 years ago

    I am a volunteer member of the mission team. I help in giving funds to a variety of needs, such as food banks, clothing, and the homeless individuals.

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49. 0

    BIKTMIAposted 13 years ago

    Vet. and childrens efforts that provide food.

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50. 69

    AnnCeeposted 13 years ago

    Thanks for asking, rhanson.
    
    
    
    The Salvation Army is my favorite charity.  They do so much good in the world and they keep things very basic.  The areas they work in are:
    
    Worldwide disaster relief
    
    Community care ministries working with veterans and prisoners.
    
    Youth camps for needy children.
    
    Christmas charities for poor families through food donations and the Angel Trees.
    
    Elderly services, daily meals, housing, healthcare, counseling.
    
    Anti-pornography.
    
    Combatting human trafficking.
    
    Worldwide child sponsorship providing meals, housing, medical care, spiritual counseling, education.
    
    Missing persons, helping families reunite.
    
    Music, the brass bands are part of the Salvation Army ministry, both training young musicians and providing uplifting music for ministry.
    
    Adult rehabilitation through their ARC program which offers comprehensive rehab lasting 6-12 months in facilities nationwide.  Participants in this strict program are housed, fed and counseled at no cost to them. Their success rate is considered better than most.
    
    Recreation for the elderly and youth.
    
    After school programs for youth.
    
    Bible training.
    
    Pastoral care.
    
    It is an amazing organization built on a simple foundation of Christian faith.
    
    http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www … local/Home

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