Holiday season = giving season, right? Actually, all year round = giving season, but if you’ve currently got the itch to pay it forward, there’s no better time to start. I’m sharing some of the organizations that are on my heart this holiday season, and I encourage you to do some research and find the best fit for you. There are so many ways to give outside of monetary donations; people in need can benefit from your time and skills too!
Project Linus – So, I stumbled upon this wonderful organization a few weeks ago, and as an adult with a blankie (lol) and a Linus super fan, I felt really moved by the Project Linus mission. What is that mission? To provide warmth and comfort to children in need through the donation of handmade blankets, made by “blanketeers” of all ages across the US. Serving not only children in need, but a community of volunteers with a passion for helping others, Project Linus warms my heart, literally. To find a chapter near you, click here!
American Humane – I think when it comes to outreach, our furry friends are sometimes forgotten, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve found researching the best way to help animals more than a little confusing. I personally feel that local is the best place to start! To do that – reach out to local shelters and pet stores for some intel and know that these establishments would probably benefit as much from your time as they would from a monetary donation. That said, any help for furry friends is good help, and that’s where American Humane comes into play. Established in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well being of animals. From rescues, to sheltering and homing, and even their, “No Animals Were Harmed,” initiative in Hollywood, American Humane offers many ways to foster the lives of our furry friends.
The Trevor Project – The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people. They provide 24/7 crisis support and are focused on growing a community of acceptance, one that will effectively reduce the risk of suicide among LGBTQ teens. We’ve spent the past few years in a constant state of political tension – watching from the outside as some leaders define and judge people and relationships they know nothing about, and that has to change! There are so many ways to help support The Trevor Project, including through some of your favorite retailers – A&F, Lululemon, and Macy’s, to name a few! In fact, if you’re shopping A&F this holiday season both online and in stores, you’ll be given the option to round up or make a $5, $2, or $1 donation to the Trevor Project!
Toys for Tots – Toys for Tots is a program ran by the United States Marine Corps and has a simple mission: bring Christmas joy to children who are in need. Christmas is a magical time of year, and through partnerships and donation drives across the country, Toys for Tots is keeping that magic alive for all children. With so many ways to help out (including choosing and purchasing a toy online and dropping it into the virtual toy box), this program offers a donation option for anyone who has the means to do so. To learn about ways you can help, click here. To find your local campaign, click here.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective – The Mid-Ohio Food Collective has one main goal: end hunger. They provide more than 170,000 meals every single day to people in need in central and eastern Ohio. There are a few ways you can help, and they’re all so simple. You can give money, give time, give food, and raise awareness. Through my job, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective several times, and plain and simple, I love what they’re doing. If you’re local to central and eastern Ohio, I highly suggest sharing some love with this great organization!
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Last, but literally never least, is St. Jude. This organization holds such a special place in my heart and I’m incredibly touched by the work that they do. Cancer is a thief, and childhood cancer, I don’t have a word harsh enough to describe it. From their site: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
That’s right – families never receive a bill from St. Jude, so they can focus on what matters most, their child. There are plenty of ways to donate to St. Jude, but if you feel pulled to do more for this wonderful organization, consider becoming a Partner in Hope with a monthly donation.
There are so many ways to help those in need this holiday season, reaching far beyond this post! If you find yourself in the able position to help, do some research and find the best fit for you.
Currently listening to: “Happy Christmas” by Colbie Caillat
xoxo happy giving szn ❤
laughingatleighann.com 
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