Charities to Support This Holiday Season
In a season full of giving, I encourage you to remember others who might not be close to you- but they still need your help! I’ve compiled a list of places that are always looking for help for various causes! I hope you use this as a resource this holiday season and encourage other to do the same!
Make a Wish Foundation -
Make-A-Wish makes dreams of children with critical illnesses come true by creating unforgettable experiences for them! Doctors say the fulfilled wishes can help improve the child’s quality of life and even lead to better health. Make a child’s holiday dream come true with your donation!
Your Local Animal Shelter -
Shelters are always in need of supplies, but our midwest winters make for especially hard times! Animal shelters need blankets, old sheets or pillows during this time of year to keep the animals warm during the winter months. Your local shelter will also appreciate common cleaning supplies like paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach and dish soap- as well as food for the animals! Or better yet, save a life and adopt your newest family member while you’re there!
Donate to Indianapolis Animal Care Services
Toys for Tots -
Toys for Tots has donated more than 584 million gifts since 1947! Donate funds online and send a cute custom message to a child in need. Drop off a new toy or game at one of the organization’s many drop locations like Kroger; or host a campaign to collect donations from friends, family, and coworkers during the Christmas season! You can even virtually donate toys here!
Compassion International -
Compassion International is a child-focused program that allows you to sponsor a child or children of your choosing! Your sponsorship will provide children medical checkups and health care, educational assistance (including textbooks), school uniforms, post-secondary courses, tutoring, and test and lab supplies. They also offer literacy and financial training for caregivers, key life skills training, mentoring and vocational programs. Some programs include nutritious food and supplements to protect against malnutrition, protection from crime, violence and danger and access to special services like surgeries and disaster relief! You can even pen-pal with the kiddos you sponsor! Compassion can take donations as well! *I feel like this would even be a great gift to give someone!
Donate to Compassion Internation
Pay the Layaway -
This year more than ever lots of families are struggling to make ends meet. Parents who maybe can’t afford to give their children the holiday celebration they want can work with certain businesses to put things on layaway until they can be fully paid for. Pay Away the Layaway provides you a list of layaways that include gifts for kids! Make a one-time donation or start a fundraiser to help parents with these layaways, eliminating the burden and creating memories for the kiddos!
Operation Blessing -
Operation Blessing offers ongoing relief after a disaster through programs like health and medical care, hunger aid, and providing clean water. Volunteer your time, purchase Operation Blessing merchandise, or make a donation to ensure disaster victims continue to receive help!
Help Out Right Here in Indy!
Wheeler Mission - Donate your gently used items to one of their donation locations around the city, start a fundraiser or make a donation that goes towards meals for people in need! You can even volunteer to serve meals or work at their donation centers!
Meals on Wheels Indianapolis - You can help ensure a senior doesn’t go hungry over the holidays by delivering meals and building relationships as a volunteer, or by making a one-time or monthly gift.
Second Helpings - Volunteer your time or donate to fight hunger in Indianapolis!
The Julian Center - Donate your gently used items to Thrifty Threads, a thrift store owned and operated by the Julian Center, volunteer or even adopt a family for the holidays!
xoxo, Kay
