Good local charities for donations?
Eric asks via Twitter:
Any suggestions for local holiday charities with high ratio of money donated/good deeds performed? Esp. food or kid-related?
We're guessing you have suggestions for Eric. Please share! We're looking forward to them.
Our quick suggestion: the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Its director has said they can turn $1 in donated money into $10 worth of food.
photo: Flickr user Hamed Saber (cc)
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I love donating to the JC Club. It's part of Victory Church in Albany (Quail St.). They serve meals to hungry children every day after school. They often have a booth for donations in Crossgates and it's currently near the movie theater.
... said Cori on Dec 17, 2012 at 2:14 PM | link
A beautiful camp sold by the Girl Scouts and now run by a non-profit, Friends of Camp Little Notch (FOCLN). You can donate and become a member, making this a terrific donation prospect because you can go hiking there and join in other outdoor activities - and it just up the Northway off Exit 20. It is a true wilderness experience, and we can really use the donations right now because we have a payment due to Open Spaces Institute. Learn more from the website.
http://www.friendsofcln.org/
... said Camp Little Notch on Dec 17, 2012 at 2:19 PM | link
I'd like to suggest making a donation to the Addictions Care Center of Albany (ACCA), a community-based non-profit that has provided over 45 years of quality substance abuse treatment, housing and prevention education to the Capital Region. In November 2011, ACCA opened the doors to Vista House, a safe, supervised transitional living program for women and children. Vista House is unique to the Capital Region because it allows mothers to receive the necessary treatment and support, while keeping their families intact. In addition, ACCA has provided over 20 years of substance abuse prevention education to area schools - all of its programs are literacy based because literacy is a proven protective factor against risky behaviors, such as underage drinking/drug abuse, early sexual promiscuity and violence/bullying. 87% of ACCA's annual expenditures are directed toward its programs and services. Please visit www.theacca.net for more information!
... said Francine Sinkoff on Dec 17, 2012 at 2:50 PM | link
So glad this is being asked, because I was just wondering about any local women and children's shelters I could donate toys and clothing to- does anyone know of any?
... said Ali H. on Dec 17, 2012 at 3:05 PM | link
I will second the Northeastern Regional Food Bank. They have a terrific farm program you can donate to directly: http://regionalfoodbank.net/farm/overview/
If you're an animal lover, there are many shelters and rescues that are wonderful. My husband and I love Homeward Bound, they rescue dogs from high kill shelters and foster them until they're adopted. They make sure all of their dogs are up to date on their shots and are spayed or neutered. http://www.homewardbounddogrescue.com/
... said Valerae on Dec 17, 2012 at 3:19 PM | link
Really happy to already see my choice: Friends of Camp Little Notch!! Last summer, 40% of the girls that attended received some type of financial assistance. Although it's an organization with Friends around the world, the majority of program participants are from the Capital Region.
www.friendsofcln.org
... said seneca on Dec 17, 2012 at 3:26 PM | link
Blind Date With Christmas
http://www.facebook.com/agrayo2?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/pages/Blind-Date-with-Christmas-Kindness/303177596454794
... said Cole on Dec 17, 2012 at 3:27 PM | link
@Ali H--Equinox Inc. and Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
... said colleen on Dec 17, 2012 at 3:40 PM | link
Thanks so much, Colleen!
... said Ali H. on Dec 17, 2012 at 5:17 PM | link
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I only regret that I don't have enough money in the budget to give to everyone, but I hope this post helped bring some attention to your charities of choice!
... said Eric on Dec 18, 2012 at 1:53 AM | link
Equinox is a favorite of mine. McGeary's downtown is hosting the Equinox gift tree for children in the Domestic Violence Shelter and Teen Transitional Living program. You can grab a gift tag (or two) and drop off a gift for one of the kids. Most of the gifts are simple items like pajama bottoms and gift cards to Price Chopper or Walmart.
... said Litt1eMinx on Dec 18, 2012 at 8:57 AM | link
Great organization to give.
http://www.accfcb.org/
... said Rich on Dec 18, 2012 at 10:05 AM | link
Capital District Community Gardens is WAY more than just community gardening.
http://www.cdcg.org/
They really get a lot of bang for your buck.
... said PeterB on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:13 PM | link
Not exactly a charity (although you can write it off on your taxes) - my husband's band program is always accepting donations of cash or musical instruments, and 100% of your donations goes directly to supplies for the kids. hudsoncitymusic@gmail.com
... said ktvorwald on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:20 PM | link
One you don't hear about too often is Dollars for Scholars, which has a number of area chapters. I was able to create my own scholarship and criteria in honor of my parents in their school district, and give to that every year. My folks love it, and its rewarding to help area kids. In my case, it's a 1:1 ratio of what I spend and what goes to the student, with all the "work" being done by the chapter. You can give to a general fund too.
http://scholarshipamerica.org/chapter_search.php
Each chapter helps its students by raising scholarship funds, distributing scholarship funds, establishing endowments, and assisting with college readiness and the financial aid process.
... said Leena on Dec 18, 2012 at 1:17 PM | link
Clean Water Projects in rural communities with no access to clean water
... said Kevin on Dec 19, 2012 at 7:38 AM | link
Please consider giving to Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. located at 301 Washington Avenue. NABA has been providing services to the blind and visually in the Capital Region for over 100 years. NABA's provides services to individuals that range from 18 months to 104 years old. NABA services help your community residents to achieve independence.
... said Gail on Dec 19, 2012 at 3:51 PM | link