A Gift That Matters: Top 5 Non-Profits 2010

Since early December, I'm certain that most all of us have been subject to some sort of gift giving list.."Perfect Picks for the Guy in Your Life," or so-in-so's top picks..and so forth. While these list are helpful in the hustle and bustle of gift buying, I think it's important to spread love and charity during this joyous season of giving. Hence, I've developed my list of the Top 5 Non-Profits for 2010. I truly urge you to consider giving to one of these organizations, if not monetarily, you can give your time, or even spread their message on your Twitter or Facebook.


P.S: tax season is soon upon us! tax deductible donations, anyone?

1. ChildHelp -Child abuse is a major problem in our country. Neglect being the largest category of abuse with physical and sexual following. Abuse is very detrimental to our society as a whole. It is reported that a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the USA - and almost 5 children die each day due to neglect. ChildHelp is committed to ending and providing support for abuse victims and families - support them by taking action.


2. Sight For Students - Imagine not being able to see...Sight for Students is a VSP charity that provides free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children. The program operates nationally through a network of community partners who identify children in need and VSP network doctors who provide the eyecare services. To help a child see better, visit: www.sightforstudents.org

3. Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.org - alcoholism affects millions of American individuals and families. This is a very misunderstood disease that can ruin lives and families. Too, its said that there is no cure for alcoholism, which in my mind is true illness - for this reason, it is so important that we support organizations such as AA - your support can help more than just the addict themselves. 

4. PFLAG - I'm very fond of this organization, as one of its member's helped me through a very rough time when my loved one was almost taken by a tragic skiing accident and resulting traumatic brain injury. While most would think that I'd list the Human Rights Campaign here, I feel like this organization exceeds past politics and into the real lives of everyday people: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and other family members. The people of PFLAG are very commendable and committed to making the world a better, more knowledgable place. 


5. Your Local Food Bank or Feeding America - it's astonishing to me how many people in this country are actually on the verge of starvation. Too often, we think of sending our resources to under developed, third world countries, but there is a vast need for food right here in our own neighborhoods. I encourage you donate, serve, or promote your local food bank, or visit feedingamerica.org. 




I hope this list helps. I promise that helping these organizations will surely give you a great gift of satisfaction of self gratification, as by helping others you are helping society (and yourself). Please keep me posted as to how you are helping your community, and if you know of a commendable non-profit that you'd like to list here...feel free to leave it in the comment section for others to see. 


Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!