For my birthday this year, I want charity. Seriously. I want you to donate $5 (or more) to a charity. Do you have a favorite that you already contribute to? If not, ask yourself, "What do I care about?" Do you care about free speech? Do you care about education? Do you care about cheetahs in South Africa? Do you care about feeding the hungry or fostering children? What about cancer or HIV or depression? Perhaps soccer camps for kids? WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? Today is a perfect day for you to do something about it.
I've compiled a list of charities that are important to me for various reasons. Some charities benefit scientists who are working to find a cure for cancer. Others aid children born with cleft lips and cleft palates. Still others match foster animals with their forever homes. If one of these organizations speaks to you, please give today. I'd love to hear about it, but you're also welcome to hold it inside. You never regret giving to others.
Help someone else today. That's all I really want.
Health
Today, you can
- be a part of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
- be a part of finding a cure for cancer through the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and The American Cancer Society.
- support families cope with mental health issues at NAMI.
- support medical professionals in the neediest parts of the world through Doctors Without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres).
Children
Today, you can
- help children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate receive a life-saving surgery with your contribution to The Smile Train.
- help families of children who need medical treatments far from home by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
- help children around the world receive access to basic necessities at Unicef.
- help a child's dream come true at the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- help end childhood hunger at Lunches of Love.
Education
Today, you can
- support a teacher's project at Donor's Choose.
- support access to information at Wikipedia.
- Support arts education and outreach programs (and honor my dear friend) at The Jason Siebert Memorial Fund.
Community
Today, you can
- fund an innovative project in your community at Kickstarter.
- provide basic necessities for a homeless person at Guiltless Giving
- feed the hungry in my town at Food Bank of Contra Coast and Solano.
Social Justice
Today, you can
- remind kids who are afraid to come out that It Gets Better.
- help everyone have access to free medical care and birth control at Planned Parenthood.
- help homeless pets find forever homes at Best Friends and Rocket Dog Rescue.
- help veterans use skills they acquired on the battlefield to save lives in disaster-stricken areas at Team Rubicon.
Environment
Today, you can
- help preserve our national parks.
- plant a tree at the Arbor Day Foundation.
- help preserve our rivers, steams, oceans, and watersheds at The Surfrider Foundation.
International
Today, you can
- support Blue Kitabu's environmentally and financially sustainable education programs in Ghana.
- support children in Swaziland receive love and education at the New Hope Centre. (This is a faith-based organization).
- help children in war-torn countries at Unicef.
This, my friends, is the short list. There are SO many mouths to feed and we all have so much to give, and if you've got a favorite, go today to give $5. Your change jar can change somebody's life.
Please please please give $5! That's it! If you want to give more, please do. But support people who are giving their lives to make life better.
Today, you can.
Thank you.
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