Charitible donation suggestions please?

Question

I am outraged to find out that the CEO of the USO is making 600K a year, according to Charity Navigator. Apparently my $ is going to help line pockets. I focus my contributions on humanitarian issues such as homelessness and providing for our military-both serving and disabled. Could someone recommend a well-run cause?

Answer 1

I was born and raised in San Francisco, Ca. and worked in the financial dist. I would also go downtown on the weekends, etc. for dining out, shopping and such.

For example I don't donate my clothing, furntiture, househole items, blankets, sheets, comforters, baby clothing, and everything needed when having kids to the Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul, etc. because I already purchased the items and most people that shop at Goodwill, etc. are poor and cannot afford to purchase items brand new. I have shopped and looked around at Goodwill and I cannot believe the prices, NOT CHEAP! I was upset sorry to say but I HAVE to give directly to a person or family in need. On weekends or lunch breaks during the week I walk around and either buy food for the Homeless or give them money.

I have volunteered at homeless shelters serving dinner and I really enjoyed that. By giving to the needy the way I do I know that they GET the money or warm jackets, blankets.

I also put ads on Craigslist and give away lots of things FREE. Household goods to cloths to whatever I have, or put  items in front of my house with a big FREE sign on it.

I feel better doing things that way. Here are some interesting websites, check them out, it's good reading.

Answer 2

I donate to both St. Jude's Research Foundation and to Compassion International

Answer 3

Salvation army is always doing SO MUCH for everybody. When I was young and pregnant and homeless with a little 1 year old, they gave me a place to stay and fed us till I could get other help. Now, I belong because I want to return their kindness. They still feed everybody and in the winter, they buy brand new coats, mittens and boots for kids that can't afford them and hand out Christmas gifts galore.

Answer 4

I think both St. Jude's and the Salvation Army are pretty good charities.  In some communities, animal shelters are run better than in others so if you go in that direction, do your research and tread carefully.

Answer 5

All of these charities are like that.  Of all of them I would suggest the Red Cross, at lease you see them when a crisis exist.