The Holidays are suppose to be happy and great times, but with so many cut-backs and unemployment still high, there are those that need help and a comforting word during these hard times.
I am fairly new to Minnesota so I don't know which charities would benefit most from my contribution. So I am asking all of you, what charities are you familiar with here in the Twin Cities?
Not sure if y'all have a Toys for Tots or Angel Tree program, but looking for something that will help children or the elderly.
Thank You
Janie

I have not bought a xmas gift in over 10 years. I go down to the LA Midnight Mission every December and write them a check in lieu of participating in the Retail Holiday™

My family and friends do the same for me, or at least they tell me they do

My family stopped giving gifts several years ago, as to take the focus off gifts and put it on family. During our holidays, we play the white elephant game and recycle pre-owned items as gifts. Sometimes, we volunteer together (see opps below).

For my last birthday, they donated to Heifer International on behalf of me, rather than buying me the latest technology (I certainly would have loved a $500 i-pod/speaker combo to use on my dates with my fine gentlemen friends! One day.*wink*).

In terms of the hobby, the idea of a gentleman donating to an organization of my choice in return for a lower rate on extended engagement is of interest to me and something I hope to implement soon.

Anyway, I hope you find what you are looking for.

Here are some interests of mine:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities - http://www.bigstwincities.org
YouthCARE - www.youthcaremn.org
Tubman Center - http://www.tubman.org/tubman/donate.html
Heifer International http://www.heifer.org/

Also, you can call United Way's 2-1-1 on your landline phone and they will direct you to organizations of interest or visit them at www.unitedwaytwincities.org.

Further, do consider volunteering your time with some of our local corporations (e.g. Cargill, Target, etc.) that do a lot for our communities.

Lastly, check out the MN Council of Nonprofits website for more information on nonprofits you can donate to. http://www.mncn.org/index.htm

Good luck!

Xoxo,
Giamarie

http://www.ecsmn.org/ready-for-success

I would definitly recommend Toys for Tots! It is a great way to give to less fortunate children out in the community. I have donated on two different occasions because the smile on a childs face after recieving a new toy is priceless!!!

For sure Burnsville Center and Mall of America.

I lost a son 6 years ago, so every year I go to the Angel Tree and pick out a few little boys who are the same age as my son would be and buy them gifts.  

I like it because they give you a list of what the child needs and what they would like.  That way I can satisfy a need (and help their mom enjoy the holidays a little more) and a want (because every kid should get something they want for Christmas!)

~Jen

Food shelves are in dire need right now, especially with the holidays right around the corner and so many families unemployed and not able to afford a turkey or ham for their traditional holiday meals.

Toys for tots, churches, Salvation Army all do good things for families around the holidays.

Great question!

This is the 7th year I have donated to a dinner that is served on the 23rd each year for Military families...which consists of organizing, providing, promoting and speaking.

Great post!

Each year I attend a Adult Party that we have to give a "Toy-f-Tots" unwrapped. Yea, it's a fun partyyy!!

The past 4 years I have hosted a fondue party with close friends (30 at the most) and everyone brings a gift that I pass out at the Military dinner.

Well this year....I am hosting a "Luau Party"...

I am tired just think'in about...what I need to do to prep and start think'in about Luau ideas!

Again great post!

Xoxo,
Amber

There are a lot of charities but there are a few charities with a low cost of management.
One such foundation is the Honor Foundation whose overhead is covered by the Degree of Honor Protective Association. Therefore, everything you give is passed on to a list of charities such as the Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, Smile Network, etc. Google Honor Foundation for more information.

After being harangued all year by the charities we gave to last January we've decided to go this route as some of the charities are spending too much of our donation soliciting more.

Sorry about the last post, accidentally hit the return button.
Thank you everyone for all your input. Still looking at some websites and trying to decide how to give to at least 3 charities. I also want to volunteer my time as some have suggested. I was thinking about volunteering at the Humane Society or an Animal Shelter.  I had a beautiful pitbull/blue heeler mix that I had to give to a boarding home so he could get adopted. His name was KING and I miss him. So I figured helping at the Humane Society will help getting over missing him.

Angie and Jen, who sadly retired years ago, used to feature a discounted two girl special for a hobbyist who brought along a toy that they could then give to Toys For Tots.  Nothing like doing good while being bad!

I'm a real skeptic and don't trust most charities, so what I do every year is pick a church, talk to the pastor or priest or whatever they call there and ask for the most needy family the have with small children. I ask lots of questions to try find out what the kids might like, then I deliver the goods myself to make sure 100% go where I want it to go. No middleman taking a piece of the pie.