There are many great charities to give to throughout the world. However, some do a better job of making good use of your donation money than others. This is a guide about choosing a good charity.
Charities should be a no-brainier, it seems everyone who reads ThriftyFun shops or has shopped at thrift stores. It makes you wonder if as many people give back to these charities. I am so blessed by getting clothes of name brands, in great shape, at a price I can afford in most of the thrift stores everywhere I have lived.
I didn't, however, understand the full importance of them until my son and I were homeless because I was a victim of abuse. I had to leave California for a while (9 months) with nothing except our dog, 2 small bags, and a bag of my son's toys. We had to get out for my safety so I had to leave the big home, friends, church, and everything else I had once thought was important behind.
Now I tend to really want to know more about the charity, because of my story. I love giving back to ones that help battered women and their children, giving them jobs, food, and helping pay to get them up and started on healing. When I had to leave we went where it was cold, super cold, so from 90 degrees to within 3 weeks to a place in the 40s. It was cold by winter, a month later, with snow. As I said, we had no clothes. In that town, you were allowed to go to a charity based thrift store and pick out 3 complete outfits, per person. We could do this 3 times, making up our entire wardrobes.
When I donate things, I make sure it's clean, ironed, has no holes or doesn't look like anything less then I would wear. I wouldn't throw these items out but rather give to another charity where they may have a 25 cent table, clothes for work, playing outside, etc. I always keep in mind women who are going back to school, work, or starting over. A nice outfit makes all of us feel so much better.
I have had people at church who have had family members who had other problems and they like giving to that charity. Find out what your passion is. Shopping at thrift stores to me is like the mall. Even though I don't shop at them, we all know there are many different stores in every mall. I shop at all of the thrift stores, discount stores, and stores where we all know they have great deals.
When "giving", I choose the one who helped me, they need so much. I know I did. Blankets, shoes (new ones), school supplies, extra dishes, pretty much everything in your house, is what they need. Whatever charity you choose, do it right. Giving back is so rewarding. If you have never been told, let me tell you "thank you" from each and every person who doesn't have a name to you, but who may have a life because of you!
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
I choose a good charity by having a local and personal touch. Are they helping my neighbors? Your local church should be a great place to help your community. A good organization should give most of what you give to those in need and not to their pay checks. Each organization is required to tell you a break down of where the finances are going. Administration costs should be very low so that the people that are in need, get the most benefit.
Donate your old clothes. Buy an extra can of food at the grocery store to give away and don't forget about the hurting pets, they can use a helping hand also. Local food banks and soup kitchens are great. If your neighbor is going through a rough time, give food cards, or pay an electric bill.
I find that when you help those who are hurting, it brings great joy into your life and will come around to you if ever a need comes up in your own life. It is always good to help a neighbor.
By Karyn from Vernon, NJ
I support a local project called Project Love and Care. It was started by one lady after the police knocked on her door in the middle of the night with 2 of her grandchildren. They had been removed from their mother's home for their own safety. Ann doesn't like her group to be called a charity, but it runs on donations.
It started out providing a blanket, pillow and a couple of changes of clothes for each child going into foster care. Now it supports a women's shelter for aboriginal communities and needy families, as well as the children. No one is paid, all work is done on a volunteer basis. What was started by one woman, now has about 500 helpers.
As Ann says, "If $1000 comes in, $1000 goes to the children." Most large charities have administrators who take a wage, so your donation doesn't all go to the people you are giving it for. Look for a small local group to help.
Remember that sometimes they need helpers more than cash donations, although cash is always needed.
By katesnanna from Brisbane, Australia
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