I need a cause
***UPDATE***
Thank you all for such amazing suggestions. It is both terribly heartbreaking to read about each charity and see so much hurt and need in the world, and also incredibly encouraging to know that people are truly loving people by creating, participating in, volunteering and donating to each of these worthwhile causes. I have been exposed to so many new organizations and I encourage you to look through the comments to learn about many charities that are making a difference in the lives of those who need it.
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This Christmas, my extended family decided that instead of exchanging gifts, we’ll be making a donation to a charity of each person’s choice.
Receiving gifts is fun, but we all realize that we have so much more than we truly need and we’re looking forward to blessing others this holiday season.
But I have a problem.
I don’t have a charity.
My older sister’s charity is The Ben Towne Foundation in honor of her good friend’s nephew who passed away after courageously battling cancer at the age of three.
My little sister’s charity is Children of the Nations, an organization one of her good friends works for that cares for orphaned children across the globe.
My uncle is suggesting a donation to the local Young Life Club that they support.
My husband says he’s going to give to the NRA, but mostly because it will really irritate my cousin who passionately despises the NRA.
I like the idea of giving to something that will make a difference, something that will change a life, or at least make one a little better. Supporting children or women or people groups that need empowering is a bonus. A Christian organization is great, but not a requirement … after all, I think Jesus mostly just wants us to love and care for His people and there are lots of charities doing it that are not necessarily ‘christian-based’.
I know there are a multitude of really great causes, and I’d love to be exposed to new ones.
So I’d love your suggestions.
Do you have a favorite charity? Please share in the comments below and include a link {if you don’t mind} to the website/blog of the organization.
Thanks for taking the time to help me find a cause!
meg
room to read! give the gift of worldwide literacy.
Amy
I highly recommend IJM – International Justice Mission. It’s mission is to be “a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.”
November 15 is National Call In Day to support the passage of the Child Protection Compact Act in Congress. Basically, it’s a law designed to help protect children from slavery. Call your senator on the 15th to support passage of teh bill – the website for all the information you need is: http://www.ijm.org/nationalcallinday
Julie M
I just had to chuckle at your husband’s cause. That is something my husband would definitely would do! St. Jude’s is always a top contender for charities that I donate to.
Alison Hurst
Hi Emily!! I have loved reading your blog and actually and currently making a load of flower pins to give away at a Bunco night I am hosting at my house on Friday. One of my friends that now reads your blog is having a craft night at her house in early Dec. using a bunch of crafts you have given tutorials on here. Thanks for inspiring creativity and fun fellowship!! OK..so, do you remember Graham Boutz and DiAnne (Konecny) Boutz from APU? Their daughter has Cystic Fibrosis. Check out the cystic fibrosis foundation website at http://www.cff.org for more info. They do incredible research and have changed the lives of so many people and families.
kate, kimberly and christina
I would LOVE to suggest ROOM TO GROW in Boston. The mission of RTG is to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first 3 years of development. Parents visit RTG’s warm and inviting space once every 3 mo’s during pregnancy until their child turns 3! Parents receive 1 on 1 support, developmental info, and all items needed to ensure a healthy and secure start for baby! To see these underpriveledged mamas be given a chance to succeed is amazing! Your donation will help ensure this wonderful organization continues to provide mamas with all of the above and most importantly-confidence that the parents CAN DO IT! What a wondeful Christmas gift! http://www.roomtogrow.org/index.php
Sharon S
Heifer International! http://www.heifer.org
Danell
We donate to Kiva. It’s a micro loan, usually to women, who want to start a business. Once the loan is paid back (97% payback rate) we loan the money out again to another group. It’s fantastic!
jennifer
i know i am a little late in the comment game on this one, but there is this amazing organization called ” Charity Water” Just watch the video – it speaks for itself. It all started with a birthday party ….
http://vimeo.com/6202666
Dana M.
I really wish my family would do this instead of gifts. It would make the holiday season so much more meaningful!
Tiffany
I know this is a little late but here is a cause that you may like http://www.hopemakesadifference.com/
DGraham
I to need a cause. There are many, and they all seem oh so worthwhile. How can one person make a difference. What have you chosen?
Karin Peabody
Your website is so sweet! Thank you for the freebies – thank you for your sweet words of encouragement and pointing to Jesus. Thank you for making pretty things. It’s a little happy place to visit. I appreciate you. xo