Look for Small Local Charity Groups

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