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charitable organizations to help children?

My children were watching television today and saw an advertisement which showed children in another country who didn't have enough to eat. It's been on their minds all day. We've had a few discussions about it. Tonight at dinner, they expressed an interest to raise money to help. I said I would do some checking to see about finding a reputable organization to donate to. Does anyone know of one? I'd like to find one where most of the money actually benefits those in need. A plus would be something where we receive the name and/or picture of a child we are helping.

Fundraising ideas are also appreciated. I was thinking maybe we could sell Chico bags and use the proceeds to fund this. In the past, my children have mentioned helping save polar bears or other animals, so if we raised enough, perhaps we could send to several organizations.

Any experience with this?

Tags: charitable, fundraising, organizations

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Permalink Reply by Zoa Conner on October 24, 2008 at 7:43pm: In the past we have:
-- sold fair trade chocolate at the farmer's market and raised $100 for dolphin adoption via WWF
-- made cloth gift bags (Christmas, Hannukah) and raised $175 for cheetah care at National Zoo
-- sold tiger hats and temp tattoos at County Fair and raised $200 and some for Big Cat Rescue

Chico bags has a pretty good fundraiser program as I recall. So does Equal Exchange for fair trade chocolate. We as a family have donated to Heifer International. I like their mission and technique but dislike all the advertising. Also consider a microloan to a family (usually the mother) where you help them start a business so they can support themselves.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kimzyn on November 26, 2008 at 9:42am: One organization that we have enjoyed supporting is Heifer International. They don't just feed gruel to starving people, they empower families by providing them with farm animals and bees so that they can provide food for their family and the whole region. You don't have to buy a whole goat, but can purchase "shares" so you can donate as little as $20 to help a family or as much as you can afford. I don't believe they are aligned with any particular religious group either. Check it out below:

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/k.9430/Gift_Catal...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ronda on December 1, 2008 at 9:38pm: I like Heifer International. Lots of sustainable ideas, instead of just giving money or food. You can buy a cow, a pig, some chicks.....change a life for a long time.
Not sure if you get to contact the recipient directly, but the Holiday catalog always inspires me. You get to fill out a cool card that tells the recipient all about yourself/family.
http://www.heifer.org/

zhi-bde,
Ronda; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Beth Fleming on March 6, 2009 at 8:17am: We really like Heifer and live very close to one of their Education Centers in RutlandMa. I'll be tking my two younger daughtersthere soon with some other friends to see the baby lambs and goats, and my oldest daughter did her Bronze Award for GS there last Spring. We've been local volunteers there in the past, going every week todo chores and I'd love to get back to that! It's a wonderful place that shows what Heifer doeas around the world. If anyone would like to visit, we'd be happy to give a tour! :)
Beth; ▶ Reply to This