Lady LUX

‘Tis the season to give back! The holiday season is a very special time of the year for everyone, but especially for children. Sadly, not all families have the ability to create a fabulous Christmas. Capture the spirit of the holidays by supporting any of these five children’s charities because sometimes, the best kind of gift is the gift of giving.

via Make-A-Wish

Fulfill a child’s lifelong wish when you donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has thrilled children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting efforts. The foundation grants a child’s wish every 38 minutes to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy during their difficult time. Lucky children have met their favorite superheroes, pop stars and have even become President for a day. Every holiday season, Make-A-Wish partners with various retail stores and financial institutions to raise money for kids through donations, volunteer time and even by contributing air miles.

via Toys For Tots

A single toy can have the power to transform a child’s Christmas morning from a disappointment into a miracle. Every year during October, November and December, the U.S. Marine Corps holds their Toys for Tots drive to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate kids in the community. Through a new toy at Christmas, kids will receive a message of hope that will help them to become responsible, productive and patriotic citizens. Those wanting to help this children’s charity can make a donation, hold their own Toys for Tots drive or donate toys at their nearest drop-off station.

via Operation Warm

Help to ensure that every child without warm clothing receives it with the help of Operation Warm and Coats for Kids. A simple item of clothing like a coat or jacket will help a child stay healthy and positive throughout the winter. Since 1998, the organizations have given the gift of warmth to more than 1 million children in poverty. Operation Warm and Coats for Kids warm the hearts, minds and bodies of children through their thoughtful efforts. A mere $20 can buy a child a brand new coat so bundle one up today!

via RMHC.org

Give the gift of togetherness this holiday when you donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Sometimes when children are ill, they need to go to hospitals far from their families. Since 1974, the organization has built 300 houses where families can live together while their children undergo critical medical treatments and support each other during this scary and difficult time. Those wanting to give back can do so at their local McDonald’s restaurant, by collecting soda can pop tabs and by donating via the Ronald McDonald House website.

via SalvationArmy.org

Sometimes, to help a child is to help out their family as well. Everyone recognizes the Salvation Army workers dressed as Santa Claus ringing a bell next to the red collection pot during November and December. The organization’s Red Kettle program will assist more than 4 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with dinner, clothing and toys. Struggling families, the homeless and seniors will all be assisted with help from the Red Kettles and other initiatives like their Adopt-A-Family Program, where a family or group of friends can pitch in to give a less fortunate family a much-needed holiday meal and gifts.

Tagged in: charity, causes, philanthropy, toys for tots, charity guide, salvation army, ronald mcdonald house, make-a-wish foundation, operation warm, holiday charities, childrens charity,