8 Top Charities for Holiday Giving

The holiday season is centered around a lot of different things: cheer, love, family, festivities.. and most importantly, giving.

Giving is the single most important factor of the holiday season and the one I love the most. While this is often thought of as giving presents to loved ones, this can also mean giving our time or resources to help those in need. Giving makes us feel good, and nothing makes you get into the season of giving quite like helping others.

As a kid, my parents always allowed my brother and I pick a charity to donate to during the holidays, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried on throughout the years. Big or small, helping out can make a huge impact on someone’s life, so never think your efforts will go unnoticed. To help you navigate the best places to donate your hard earned $, today, I am sharing 8 of the Top Charities for Holiday Giving.

The list below details some of the top charities I’ve seen throughout the years / have donated to in the past. Each organization is really different so find one you feel drawn to and check it out! Also, if you want to dive deeper, the Charity Navigator is a great resource for delving into the background of certain foundations and seeing which are trustworthy and worth your amazing support.

1) Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is great because the foundation gives you tons of different easy ways to help kids during the holiday season. You can make an online monetary donation, or click here to find your local TFT campaign location to drop off a toy. It’s really simple but goes a long way for children in need. Find your closest location: here.

2) World Vision

My family has been donating to World Vision for years! World Vision currently helps more than 4 million children in 100 different countries. They work to provide assistance through gifts like Animals & Agriculture (for food, resources, etc), clean water, and more. You can make a monetary donation, or give a gift. This year we’re going to give a Deep Water well which will provide clean water for 300 people a day.

3) Pet Smart Charities

If you’re an animal lover, this one is for you! Pet Smart Charities provide assistance to homeless animals and animals in emergency situations (weather related, wildfires, etc). You can donate as little as $25 to help animals in need here. I also love the Big Cat Rescue.

4) Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels helps to provide food and assistance to seniors in need. Their goal is to assure no senior is left behind, hungry, or lonely. You can make a donation, or you can volunteer your time to help in your community. Check it out here.

5) Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. You can donate your time and help to build houses alongside other volunteers, and there is also an option for a monetary donation here.

6) Make a Wish America

The Make-A-Wish foundation is truly one of my favorites. They work to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. Whether that be to meet a specific person, go on a trip, see snow, etc, Make a Wish finds a way to make it work. In the US, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. Check out the Donate tab on their home page to see how you can help make a child’s wish come true.

7) Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders helps to provide medical care around the world to those who need it most. This charity truly speaks for itself. Since health care should be a human right and not a privilege, this organization helps that to become true. On their website, you can donate to help here.

8) Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a global organization that takes action against the causes and effects of hunger. They work to save the lives of malnourished children and ensure everyone can access clean water, food, training, and healthcare.  Learn more about how you can fundraise, donate, and help on their site here.

That’s it, guys! I hope one of the charities above resonated with you and you found one you just can’t wait to support. Also, if you’ve donated to any in the past, please feel free to add the link below in the comments or DM me on Instagram here. I’d love to add others to the list! Happy Holidays guys.