13 Dec 2011 1 Comment
Tis the season to give back.
The holiday season is meant to be spent with friends and family, reflecting on those things we are thankful for. Too often, we get wrapped up in the chaos of finding the perfect presents for our loved ones and forget what the holidays are really about. The act of charitable giving is woven into the very fabric of the holiday season. This year, instead of spending all of your time waiting in lines, consider making a charitable donation in the name of your friends and family. In the time it takes to find a parking spot at the mall, you can set up a FirstGiving account online and give to an organization that speaks to the passions of your loved ones. Unsure of where to donate? Below is a list of some wonderful charities that appeal to everyone one your holiday list.
For Her:
For your lady friends, consider donating to Strong Women, Strong Girls. The mission of Strong Women, Strong Girls is “to build upon the lessons learned from strong women throughout history to help girls and young women become strong women themselves.” The organization introduces young girls to communities of passionate, successful and committed women, thereby “creating cycles of mutual empowerment for women and girls.” You can find more information about this organization on the FirstGiving website and make your donation today.
Start fundraising for Strong Women, Strong Girls
Founded in 1993 in Maryland, Women Supporting Women works to “provide awareness, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer.” Among other things, this remarkable organization offers weekly support groups and mentoring for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Women Supporting Women also provides informational tote bags for newly diagnosed women, and their spouses and children. The organization has just launched their “Bras for a Cause” fundraiser, during which teams decorate bras and display them at The Center at Salisbury where members of the public vote for their favorite. You can find more information about this organization on the FirstGiving website and make your donation today.
Start fundraising for Women Supporting Women
For Him:
For the hockey lover with a heart, make a donation to The Boston Bruins Foundation. According to their website, this non-profit “provides grants to organizations that meet the standards of its mission, concentrates on athletics, academics, health, and community outreach programs.” More specifically, the Foundation funds organizations that work to improve the quality of life for children in New England. This organization has raised over $5 million dollars through a variety of fundraising events, such as the annual “Bruins Wives’ Charity Carnival,” a day in which donors and children alike can meet Bruins players and participate in a variety of fun activities. You can find out more information about this organization on the FirstGiving website and make a donation today.
Start Fundraising for The Boston Bruin Foundation
Help support veterans this holiday season by making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization established to help support injured service members. The Wounded Warrior Project raises public awareness and helps create a community in which veterans can support and help one another. Additionally, the organization provides free programs to injured soldiers, including the “Transition Training Academy™ (TTA)” which, according to the website, “helps participants explore Information Technology (IT) as a potential career field” while providing veterans with the skills they need to rejoin the workforce. You can find more information about The Wounded Warrior Project on FirstGiving’s website and make a donation today!
Start fundraising for The Wounded Warrior Project
Tatum
Jan 11, 2012 @ 23:01:40
Hi —
This is a great holiday idea and I know that during the holidays, that’s when fundraising kicks up to high gear. However, that doesn’t mean you should lose speed once the holidays are over. A great idea (that could be used during the holidays, but applies to all year round) for fund-raising are selling wristbands. The most famous example are the LIVESTRONG wristbands and I still think it’s a great idea. Silicone wrist bands are affordable if bought in bulk and you can customize it for your organization. All in all a great idea. You should write a post about fundraising ideas and tips. :)