Ellington

Christmas shopping can be difficult, especially if your list is full of people who already have it all. This year, keep it simple by giving charitable gifts that will help make the world a better place and won't take up valuable space in the attic.

How to choose a gift charity:
1. Pick a charity that is unlikely to be controversial, unless you are sure of your friend or family member's political and religious views. This means avoiding political campaigns and church charities as a rule.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of your chosen charities through charitynavigator.org. Make sure that you're giving to efficient charities with minimal administrative costs and maximum funds going to their mission.
3. Think about where and how your gift recipient would most like to make an impact. Is your brother passionate about local environmental concerns in Jackson? Is your best friend interested in alleviating the problem of AIDS in Africa? Is your grandma concerned about rebuilding New Orleans?
4. Choose a charity that offers cards explaining your gift, or get creative and make your own.

Here are some of my favorite charities.

Animals

carams.org
worldwildlife.org

Environment

earthshare.org
treesforlife.org

International

heifer.org
penniesforpeace.org

Poverty

habitat.org
oxfam.org

What are your favorite charitable organizations?

Previous Comments

ID

115964

Comment

My favorites are Jackson charities: Center for Violence Prevention HeARTS Against AIDS Stewpot Jackson Arts Council (especiallly with city's budget cuts under Melton) Will add others later ...

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-05T16:38:33-06:00

ID

115965

Comment

Kelly this is a great idea. I am going to do this for about 80 percent of the people on my list. I'm a huge fan of Kiva.org which gives micro loans to women and men in developing countries. Other favorites are United Nations Refugee Council and Care.

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-12-06T01:52:45-06:00