I support a small women’s shelter each year with clothing donations and food drives.  Because it’s small, it tends to get lost amongst some of the larger ones in the city. So yes, I find that my contributions and those of others really do get to the women and children it’s intended for.  

 I do find it difficult to support larger more mainstream charities because such a small amount of your dollar actually goes to the intended.   Go Eco/Local to see the results you want.  Have a great day. 

Does anyone ever use Charity Navigator?

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

My husband and I actually give most of our charitable contributions to art museums, then Habitat for Humanity.  We prefer to volunteer and give hands-on support in our local community so we know first-hand we’re making a difference in someone’s life.

My personal experience has been that though there are many charities I am slowly dying from malnutrition, lack of the ‘correct’ medical care and having no alternative but to push my body far beyond its limits. And most painful of all a life so focused on survival that there is no room for my hopes, dreams, ambitions or even just a normal traditional holiday break or a day off. So I urge people who are interested in making a difference to carefully consider two things. One research your charities. I do not mean  read "their" literature or speak to who "they" reccomend. I mean do some real detective work. If they check out then donate to them. Secondly consider helping people one on one. Charities tend to be a one size fits all; yet, life does not work that way (i.e. I did not say I had no medical care; rather, I have the wrong medical care.) Quietly investigate the person you are considering helping. (Personally I would have no qualms about someone running a full background check and whatever else they wished to check out about me if they were considering helping me.) Then if they are in legimate need of your help tailor that help to fit their needs and dreams.  Also keep in mind that many charities may seem to offer some wonderful things such as day camps , art events, etc. for underpriviledged youth; yet, something like this often misses the poorest of children except for a lucky few because transportation and or other factors may be an insurmountable obstacle. Therefore such a ‘gift’ is really targeted more at the lower middle and upper low income families. Most people are shocked to find out just how many charitable opportunities I am too poor to access. Lastly please remember that a lot of people get nothinged to death here in America because noone will help because they assume someone else already is.