I don’t know why, but tonight I’m inspired to share with you some of the charitable organizations that Matt and I like to support. It’s that time of the year where people start ramping their giving up for the year, and this year proves to be a tough one for non-profits hoping to break even during a recession. Maybe you’re looking for a new place to give back? All of these would be great choices.

1. Habitat for Humanity. I’ve recently started volunteering with Habitat, and let me tell you, I could not be more impressed with this organization. The biggest misconception is that they give away houses for free. On the contrary, they provide interest-free loans to families who have worked very hard to be fiscally responsible. The programs and classes that they provide to support these families are truly amazing. And the families themselves are even more amazing. I’m really psyched to see how working with Habitat changes my perceptions and pushes me outside of my comfort zone in the next year or so.
2. Mosaic Community of Faith. This group is essentially our dear friends Robert and Michelle, the couple who gave us pre-marital counseling and married us. Two greater people I have never known. They have done loads of community outreach in their neighborhood in Columbus, OH, and have opened their home up to anyone and everyone in need of a place to call home. It’s really hard to describe everything they do, but they live a missional lifestyle that is all about serving and helping others in their community. To find out more about them or to send a check, you can reach them at: 1358 N 5th St, Columbus, OH 43201 or info@breakdividingwalls.org . They are non-denominational and will basically rock your socks off.
3. Elim Christian Services. This is an awesome organization in Chicago that educates kids with all kinds of disabilities including Autism. They do it in a really respectful and empowering way, and let me tell you, the kids send us THE CUTEST artwork in the mail. It’s worth giving to them just to have something to hang on your fridge.
4. Compassion International. Compassion is a highly-regarded organization for international child sponsorship. We’ve been sponsoring a kid in Burkina Faso for about two years now, and it’s been really fun. We get letters from him in French which I embarrassingly try to translate on my own, and he always includes adorable drawings (more fridge artwork!). We’re hoping to take a trip to Burkina Faso in the next few years to meet him in person.
5. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Now for a great organization that isn’t faith-based! Fidelco raises German Shepherds with very strict breeding and training to be world-class guide dogs. They place a high priority on community involvement and are changing the lives of people with disabilities by providing exceptional canine companions that significantly improve the standard of living of their owners. Can you tell that I HEART THIS ORGANIZATION!?!??!
6. National Parks Conservation Association. As you’re probably well aware, our national parks are SHAMELESSLY under-funded and many are falling into disrepair. The NPCA works hard at raising money and fighting for better legislation to protect our national parks. They have a pretty great magazine that comes along with your membership, and is well worth a small donation. The national parks belong to US and it’s OUR job to preserve them for our own enjoyment as well as for future generations.

So that’s the list that I can think of at the moment. What are some of the organizations that you love to support and how will you be spreading cheer during this Holiday season?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 12:16 am and is filed under Holidays, Mean and Green, Money, Stuff I Love. You can subscribe to any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Don't be shy! Go ahead and leave a response, or trackback from your own site.