Help us choose a charity for the Second Annual DU Year-End Charity Donation Drive!

[Skinner]

Some of you may remember that last year we held our first-ever charity donation drive, raising more than $27,000 for America's Second Harvest, the food-bank network. It was such a great success that the DU Admins think it would be fun to make it an annual event.

So, once again, we're looking for suggestions for a possible charity (or charities) to which we could all donate. We're hoping you all could give us suggestions. The criteria are the same as last year:

1. It should be a charity and a cause that is not controversial. Something that the vast majority of DUers can support without reservation. A charity that fits with our values, and does not have a hidden right-wing agenda.

2. They should have a detailed website (include a link in your post), and the ability to accept donations online.

3. If possible, it would be great if we could set up a special online donate page for members of DU, so we can share that address with our membership and we can easily keep track of how much our community has donated.

4. Obviously there are many worthy causes, but our preference is that we select a charity that focuses on helping the less fortunate: people who are poor, hungry, or sick. During the holiday season when our culture becomes obsessed with material abundance, it seems appropriate to us that we try to help those people who do not enjoy such access to material wealth.

Please post suggestions in this thread. If you wish to express support for someone else's suggestion, feel free to do so in this thread. If you think there is a reason why someone's suggestion would not be an appropriate candidate, please post in this thread to politely explain why.

The DU administrators will review the suggestions and choose a charity. If we like many candidates, we might have a brief vote so DUers can express an opinion.

We're hoping to get through the selection process relatively quickly so we can start the donation drive. So if you have a suggestion please post it now.

COOL 2008 PHOTOGRAPHY CALENDAR BY DUERS!

This year, we have a cool promotion to encourage more people to donate. The members of the DU Photography Group have generously provided photographs for a 2008 DU Photography Group Calendar!



Thank you and have a happy holiday season!

David Allen
DU Admin

Please recommend this thread so more DUers can see it.

[sniffa]

1. kick

last year was awesome. i hope this year turns out just as well.

:thumbsup:

[MethuenProgressive]

2. Joe Kennedy's Citizens Energy helps the poor and needy keep warm.

"No One Should Be Left Out In The Cold"

http://www.citizensenergy.com/main/Home.html

Citizens Energy Corporation exists to help make
life's basic needs more accessible and affordable.
At the same time, Citizens Energy seeks to use
market opportunities to help the poor and needy.

http://www.citizensenergy.com/english/pages/Donate

[Le Taz Hot]

9. I like

this suggestion. Allow me to cast another vote for this organization.

[regnaD kciN]

161. I back Citizen's Energy as well, because...

...in its early years, it was being run by Joe's brother Michael (1958-1997) who was a friend of mine at school.

[MannyGoldstein]

3. The Grameen Foundation

http://www.grameenfoundation.org/

This is the US counterpart of the Grameen Bank, Mohammad Yunus's microlending organization which won the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

We Americans badly need to repair our reputation in the world, and the Grameen foundation is a grass-roots money-where-your-mouth-is way to do it. The Grameen foundation makes small loans at low interest, primarily to women in Bangladesh and Africa, so they can bootstrap small businesses. The loans are structured in a way that makes them extraordinarily successful at pulling families out of poverty.

Even small contributions go a very, very long way towards ending poverty - contributions made to Grameen are used to guarantee very large loan pools. So your $1 contribution will turn into several dollars of loans.

You can see a short video here: http://www.grameenfoundation.org/resource_center/video_breaking_through/

As it happens, the Foundation was started and is run by a friend of mine, Alex Counts, who worked directly with Dr. Yunus in Bangladesh for years.

[William769]

4. Elton John AIDS Foundation

EJAF Mission

To provide funding for educational programs targeted at HIV/AIDS prevention and/or the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for programs that provide services to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.

http://www.ejaf.org/

[terrya]

16. I second the Elton John AIDS Foundation

It's an excellent charity. And very important.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

26. yup.

[bliss_eternal]

134. Always happy to help this worthy organization...!

:thumbsup:

[RB TexLa]

5. Too many "America firsters" here to push any of the ones I support

but I'm sure a nice one will be chosen. :)

[MethuenProgressive]

12. RG, tell us about the ones you support, please

Mrs MP and I are on a budget, but we have a modest amount set aside each December that we like to spread around. Last year a micro-loans project in Africa called Kiva caught our attention, and received our support. We're always willing to learn about 'new to us' charity opportunities, clue us in to yours, please!

Kiva:
http://kiva.org/app.php?gclid=CMScyKrlk5ACFSBMGgodGRLZAA

[RB TexLa]

17. I've given the micro-loans too. Here are a couple

http://www.booksforafrica.org/

very easy to donate to on a budget, and fun as well. Always nice to picture someone enjoying a book.

http://www.fhssa.org/

Not as "fun," but very necessary.


Most of my giving is through a religious organization so it wouldn't meet the non-controversial aspect of this thread.

[tavalon]

6. I want to nominate Amnesty International

But, I'm guessing that won't fly, so I second the motion for the Kennedy energy assistance thing.

[elaineb]

7. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

[XemaSab]

48. Agreed-MSF

:bounce:

[shireen]

56. I second that! An outstanding organization! nt

[uppityperson]

63. MSF for me also. Secondly ACLU.

[flamingyouth]

72. Agree with this nomination.

[FloridaJudy]

78. Another for MSF

My second choice would be Amnesty International.

[LuckyLib]

90. My vote as well.

[mcscajun]

117. Gets my vote.

:thumbsup:

[Lex]

120. I've donated to them. They are first rate

and keep you informed of what they are doing. They have low "administrative" costs and most all the money goes directly to help.

What donations can mean:
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/what.cfm

[bliss_eternal]

131. Great organization...!

another :thumbsup:

[emilyg]

132. Yes.

[WhollyHeretic]

146. They get my vote

One of the best and most effective charities

[ourbluenation]

196. I support this choice. n/t

[unhappycamper]

8. Iraq Veterans Against the War

http://www.ivaw.org/support

How Can I Support IVAW?

Here's how you can help Iraq Veterans Against the War build a movement of resistance within the military:

Make a financial contribution

IVAW relies on individual donors like you to make our work happen. In fact, over half of IVAW’s budget comes from individuals. Please consider making a generous gift right now.

* $20 will pay for an IVAW care package for an active duty service member.
* $35 will cover the postage for 7 new member packets.
* $50 will cover the cost of 500 IVAW brochures.
* $100 will pay for a BBQ outreach event near a military base.
* $250 will fly an Iraq veteran to a speaking event
* $500 will pay for 2 months of hosting fees for IVAW's website.
* $5,000 will pay for gas and tolls for a 2-week IVAW bus tour.
* $20,000 will pay a yearly stipend for an Iraq veteran organizer.

[Diamond Dave]

111. Has our vote -

Doctors w/o Borders and Heifer Foundation - Most of all IVAW - hands down. We have to support our military speaking out. It is truly the single most important issue facing this country. We have to deal with the military / industrial / corporate / legislative complex we were warned about by Ike in his farewell speach and by Smedley Butler. The ones on the front line in this confrontation are our soldiers, our veterans.

Pretty much a no brainer for us. If not IVAW, well then VFP (Veterans for Peace) or any combination of all the above - does it have to be just one?

[Midlodemocrat]

10. Habitat for Humanity.

Reading through last year's thread, it appears that a lot of folks wanted to support this as well as Second Harvest.

Just a thought. I'll contribute to which ever group is chosen.

[MzNov]

76. I'll second that. They are still trying to build homes in NOLA

and Mississippi.

And Second Harvest also.

[bdamomma]

193. People out in NO are still suffering and I heard houses

that were ok are being demolished, those corporations of the * regime are trying to privatize the area, and to keep landowners out. sickening there are so many good causes listed. :hi: :hug:

[LostinVA]

81. Nice post, Hitler

I think Habitat for Humanity is a good org.

[MonkeyFunk]

95. They are in fact a nice group

but they are also "Habitat for Humanity - a Christian Ministry"

Perhaps something a more non-denominational would be better.

I still like Second Harvest.

[mcscajun]

118. I think this is another great choice.

:thumbsup:

[TahitiNut]

123. Habitat for Humanity is avowedly an "ecumenical Christian" charity.

This MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be inimical to some DUers. (I personally hold them in high regard in Detroit, New Orleans and International.)

[Imalittleteapot]

11. Make It Right NOLA

Saw Brad Pitt talk about this project on Larry King last night. Anything to help Katrina victims is a worthy of our support.

About the Make It Right Project

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The slow reaction to the initial emergency and to the ongoing crisis exposed troubling realities about the response capabilities of the American government when the citizens of our most culturally diverse city were in desperate need of help.

<snip>

Inspired by the courage and hope of the residents he met, Pitt resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild. Just as importantly, he wanted to help recreate and nurture the unique culture and spirit of the Lower 9th Ward, which symbolizes the soul of New Orleans. He understood instinctively that a New Orleans rebuilt without the Lower 9th Ward would never be whole.

http://www.makeitrightnola.org/

[MissHoneychurch]

13. I like it

great idea.

[Skittles]

40. I agree with this too

I saw Mr. Pitt on TV too and was impressed by his efforts - I think this would be a great idea. Mr. Pitt is doing something about an issue that has been severely neglected and DU could assist.

[Suich]

69. Yeah, Make It Right!

Brad Pitt will be on Larry King again Tuesday talking more about it.

[xxqqqzme]

98. I like it too - I give to Habitat & am very impressed w/ their work

in New Orleans. I do not usually donate to 'christian' organizations but Habitat goes everywhere. Being 'christian' is not a requirement for a home.

Anything that assists the residents of New Orleans is first on my list.

[zabet]

126. This is my pick. nt

[KamaAina]

127. Yeah you rite!

After all, 'tis said, charity begins at home. What better place for DU to focus its efforts, I ask you, than the one that's been so thoroughly trampled on by the Bushies, the insurance co's, etc.?

Count me in!

[sandnsea]

129. I vote for this

We have to do a better job for Katrina survivors.

[bliss_eternal]

130. Sounds perfect...!

:thumbsup:

Definitely fits the parameters stated within the op. Many from NOLA are still homeless.

[Swamp Rat]

133. Yeah you rite!

:kick:

[Matariki]

140. Yes. Nice that they're building sustainable homes too.

http://www.makeitrightnola.org/mir_SUB.php?section=donate&page=main

[lonestarnot]

164. This would be the one!

[HeeBGBz]

172. I vote for this one too

www.makeitrightnola.org

[oldgrowth]

178. I like,Make it right

http://www.makeitrightnola.org/

[I work for workers]

14. Homes for our Troops

http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer

From the site-

"Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c(3)organization founded in 2004. This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility."

[CaliforniaPeggy]

102. Welcome to DU, my dear I work for workers!

[I work for workers]

138. Thank you!

[Blue Fire]

189. I've already backed Second Harvest, but I'm willing to double-up!

Welcome to DU, I work for others! :hi: A most excellent recommendation! Our troops deserve nothing less.

[bdamomma]

194. yea, I think this gets my vote, those troops are in need of extreme

help, and if you listen to the reports there are so many vets without homes.

I second this, there are so many organizations that need help, I will donate to whatever choice is made.

[LynneSin]

15. After the NYTimes posted about how food banks are in a crunch - America's Second Harvest

http://www.secondharvest.org/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/us/30food.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

This was the story and it made top headline here at DU when it came out.

Food Banks, in a Squeeze, Tighten Belts
Jodi Hilton for The New York Times


By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: November 30, 2007
MANCHESTER, N.H., Nov. 26 — Food banks around the country are reporting critical shortages that have forced them to ration supplies, distribute staples usually reserved for disaster relief and in some instances close.

“It’s one of the most demanding years I’ve seen in my 30 years” in the field, said Catherine D’Amato, president and chief executive of the Greater Boston Food Bank, comparing the situation to the recession of the late 1970s.

Experts attributed the shortages to an unusual combination of factors, including rising demand, a sharp drop in federal supplies of excess farm products, and tighter inventory controls that are leaving supermarkets and other retailers with less food to donate.

“We don’t have nearly what people need, and that’s all there is to it,” said Greg Bryant, director of the food pantry in Sheffield, Vt.

“We’re one step from running out,” Mr. Bryant said.

[johnnie]

19. I second this one

Plus they already send me mail once a week so it can cut down on paper if we donate to a second charity..lol.
Seriously, I think America's Second Harvest is a worthy nomination.

[Lochloosa]

21. I agree. How can you go wrong with Second Harvest.

[Skinner]

28. OK, I removed the sentence about donating to a different charity.

We will consider America's Second Harvest along with all the other suggestions. There certainly is a need.

[LynneSin]

30. I didn't read the entire message - sorry I jumped at that nomination

But I plan to donate to Second Harvest along with sending donations of canned goods to our local food back.

I've been blessed this year with so much that I want to give back to others and that NYTimes article really affected me!

[riona]

42. America's Second Harvest is already my personal choice

I certainly will give my planned amount through DU if it is chosen.

[WolverineDG]

49. Our local food bank is begging for food

even after they got a fantastic (but one-time) donation. I vote for Second Harvest.

dg

[Breeze54]

54. Food Donations are way down nationwide...

It's a shame. I vote for America's Second Harvest, as well.

[alittlelark]

50. Second Harvest would be my 1st choice.

[Beaverhausen]

67. I vote this one, too

[Lil Missy]

109. That would be my choice too

[Klukie]

115. Second Harvest gets my vote.

[mcscajun]

119. Great choice!

:thumbsup:

[coffeenap]

136. America's Second Harvest gets my vote!

Thanks, Skinner.

[datadiva]

180. Second Harvest my choice also n/t

[auntAgonist]

209. another vote for America's 2nd Harvest ... *

[YankeyMCC]

18. Horizons for Homeless Children

This is a local group so I'm not sure how that fits into the criteria but it is the primary non-environmental-centered charity I give to every year.

http://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/

[in_cog_ni_to]

20. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

http://www.nchv.org/donate.cfm

[EFerrari]

59. That's a great idea!:

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

22. I also support giving to Second Harvest. The food banks seem truly desperate, and the need is even

greater than in the past...

[Lisa0825]

23. ModestNeeds.org

www.modestneeds.org

Their mission statement:

To prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance;

To restore the financial self-sufficiency of individuals who are willing to work but are temporarily unable to do so because they do not have the means to remit payment for a work-related expense; and

To empower permanently disadvantaged individuals who otherwise live within their limited means to continue to live independently, despite a temporary, unexpected financial set-back.

[GardeningGal]

27. I second this suggestion.

If not this one then I guess I'd want Second Harvest again.

[knitter4democracy]

24. Doctors without Borders.

They're always strapped and needing more help.

[cuke]

25. Alzheimer's Association and the American Diabetes Association

Two diseases that require expensive long-term care. Advances in treating these two disease will not only help the millions of americans (and their families) who have these diseases, it will help lower health care costs for all americans

[blm]

29. Food banks are needier than ever this year - I would repeat Second Harvest.

.

[NMDemDist2]

33. another vote for a food bank--Second Harvest or whoever n/t

[kickysnana]

105. I agree n/t

[Eurobabe]

110. Second Harvest, so many without food

extremely sad.

[Klukie]

114. I agree...

Second Harvest gets my vote.

[Cerridwen]

31. I recommend the "National Low Income Housing Coalition"

Their mission statement is here

Their goals are listed here

They are supporting the National Housing Trust Fund which has bi-partisan support (see the link) and which, during this time of housing bust and economic collapse, purports to not only help with housing for low-income people but will help the communities in which these buildings are rehabilitated by providing jobs for their construction.

Their donation page is here

edit to add: their work is for the long term which is another reason I support them. They're not just "throwing money" at a problem and walking away nor are they just applying "bandaid" approaches to an ever growing problem.

[Booster]

32. I vote for Heifer International or Doctors Without Borders.

[gollygee]

39. These are my favorite two also

[LeftyMom]

46. Heifer's a no go. nt

[Hestia]

65. Why is Heifer a no-go? Non-denominational, non-political. n/t

[Bucky]

82. Their name is offensive to vegans

[Hestia]

100. Whew! Thank Goddess, I thought there was another reason not to give. I too donate to them

every month because Heifer is helping LA & MS rebuild farms to feed people.

[Matariki]

141. Yes and god forbid, they give livestock to starving families.

which will reproduce and create more livestock. very offensive :sarcasm:

[MonkeyFunk]

170. Yes

better that people starve, as long as a goat gets to live free.

[LynneSin]

187. zap

zap

[Booster]

80. Why in the world would anyone object to Heifer Int.? I am totally

open to listening to any reasoning re: this because I have given to Heifer for years now, and if I'm wrong about this organization I really want to know it. Why are you against Heifer?

[MonkeyFunk]

97. animal-rights

absolutists don't believe animals should be used for any purpose.

[Booster]

122. IMO, extremists of any kind are just plain wrong.

[bliss_eternal]

135. Please try to understand....

...that such an organization clearly would be against the ethics of our vegan members. Skinner states in his op that we are seeking organizations to donate to that ALL DU'ers could agree on, without reservation.

You are completely within your rights to donate to such an organization--no one here is saying you shouldn't donate to them, or to stop. Merely that this organization wouldn't be appropriate for all of DU to donate to without reservation.

Calling other members names like extremists is blatantly disrespectful of the rights and beliefs of other members of this forum. It's inappropriate and unnecessary behaviour.

[Matariki]

142. I agree - this should be a mutually agreeable donation

but also, people shouldn't make vague swipes at a good organization like Heifer International without explaining their own prejudice involved.

[bliss_eternal]

154. I thought I saw upthread...

...that someone stated it would be offensive to vegans, plainly and simply. I saw that as a suitable explanation. Going into why (in my opinion) could invite debate. That's not what this thread is about. Perhaps those that posted what they did understood that, and chose instead to state their objection simply.

Forgive me for saying so, but labeling other's beliefs as prejudice seems to do what you are accusing others of.

Given the definition of prejudice(from Websters)--an opinion, favorable or unfavorable (more often the latter)formed without fair examination of the facts; bias.

The vegan belief is based in non-cruelty and environmentalism. Vegans have taken the facts of animal cruelty and made the commmitment to not take part in that cycle. This is not prejudice as it is defined. They've made an informed decision for themselves. As progressives that share a board, we should respect that and not need them to explain or defend their commitment (whether individual members agree with their beliefs or not).

[Matariki]

158. That's fine.

But going out of one's way to undermine an organization that does a good job alleviating world hunger, because *some* of the food comes from an animal source - well, might as well pull food out of starving people's mouths because you don't like what they're eating. I don't know what to call that but 'an opimion formed without fair examination of the facts; or bias'

[bliss_eternal]

167. I don't see anyone doing that.

I see people saying this organization isn't appropriate for the DU fund-raiser. Just my opinion, but you seem to be reading more into what's been said here because you have an issue with the vegans. You're entitled to your opinions and views of course. But it's not cool to create division where none exists.

Given what Skinner says in his op, they were entitled to have an issue with that particular organization--as a potential DU holiday group donation. He's looking for something we can ALL agree on. They didn't comment on the organization in depth. But you HAVE commented at length about them and their beliefs. Interesting and oddly hypocritical.

[Matariki]

165. ps - vegan/omnivour issues might not be what this thead is about , but it sure will keep it kicked

;-)

[bliss_eternal]

168. Whatever makes you feel good....

...about picking on vegans, after they merely voiced their concern as members of the DU community--on a thread that asked for such comments.
;)

[MonkeyFunk]

171. and as an atheist

I would prefer we not choose Habitat for Humanity. But.... I would never disparage them, and if that's what's chosen, I'll say "good for them".

Heifer Intl. does good work, and some people here DO disparage them with lies and smears.

[bliss_eternal]

174. Good for you...

:thumbsup: It's great that you have the ability to set your personal beliefs aside for the sake of the charity that is selected, whatever organization that may be.

I won't contradict you about comments made in the past about the orgnanization you named. I haven't taken part in such discussions, nor witnessed them in the past. But just because I haven't seen them, doesn't mean such comments weren't made.

I will say that I don't see such comments here, from anyone other than those being disparaging of vegans. That's my point. You seem to be reacting to prior discussions and that's uncalled for.

Perhaps no such comments about this organization would have been made at all, if you and the other person being snarky toward the vegans hadn't made them yourselves.

[yewberry]

179. LM pointed out that HI should be a no-go. Why?

No one made swipes at Heifer Intnl.

Lots of people made vague swipes at vegans because of the recommendation of Heifer. We're absolutists, we're extremists, mock, mock, mock, blah, blah, blah.

That should be enough to explain why that particular nonprofit might be inappropriate.

[bliss_eternal]

183. Thanks tofunut...

...that's the point I was trying to make as well. I appreciate your comment.

[MonkeyFunk]

198. Did you not see

her assertion below, backed up with nothing, that Heifer Intl. "promotes junk science and animal abuse"?

[yewberry]

202. No, actually, I didn't.

So then a poster did take a swipe at HI elsewhere in the thread.

Does that somehow negate the point that nominating a group like HI that might be controversial can lead (and has led) to snotty, broad-brush remarks about vegans?

[KittyWampus]

208. Well, I can object to Doctors Without Borders (Christian Scientist). Not really, just making

a point.

Second Harvest is out, they may distribute cheese or meat.

Habitat for Humanity, lead by an evangelist Christian so it's a no-go for athiests.

[Matariki]

143. self delete

someone already used this joke. so nevermind.

[SoCalDem]

34. OLPC..

I bought one, and there is a section that allows for "bulk" buying too:)
http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/index.php



One learning child. One connected child. One laptop at a time.

The mission of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child. In order to accomplish our goal, we need people who believe in what we’re doing and want to help make education for the world’s children a priority, not a privilege.

Since November 12th, OLPC has been offering a limited-time Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. During Give One Get One, you can donate the revolutionary XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, and also receive one for the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. Thanks to a growing interest in the program, we are extending Give One Get One until the end of the year. You also may donate laptops via our Simply Give and Give Many options. Though the increasing public interest in OLPC, we hope to give many more children the opportunity to grow, explore, learn and express themselves.

Find out more about:



.............................................
many ways to give

To give 100 or more laptops and direct them to a location you designate, send email to givemany at laptop.org

[email protected]

Give 100+

$299 per laptop




In each case, the donor designates where the laptops are sent.

For general information about the many ways you can give laptops through the One Laptop per Child Foundation, please send email to service at laptopgiving.org

[email protected]
.....................................

comes with a charitable tax deduction

[Simeon Salus]

35. Totally endorse this charity

Am getting one sent to a third world country, and having the other one sent to a local immigrant family with young kids.

[SoCalDem]

36. I did the same thing.. Bulk buys can be sent to poor schools HERE too

You gotta know that there are some pretty poor school districts in some of our states,that would love to have their kids get these..:)

[earth mom]

70. One Laptop per child-Make it right NOLA- KIVA. nt

[rateyes]

37. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

http://www.ncadv.org/aboutus.php

http://www.ncadv.org/donate.php

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

38. Kiva. It works. It helps people improve their own lives.

http://kiva.org/

[MethuenProgressive]

41. kick for kiva.org

:kick:

[CrispyQ]

116. Another kick for Kiva!

:kick:

[motocicleta]

147. Yet another for kiva

Can I do that, since I nominated another NGO downthread? No matter, kiva rocks.

[davsand]

43. Given the current climate in the US I suggest the ACLU.

http://action.aclu.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FJ_donationhome




Laura

[flvegan]

44. Howsabout PETA?

Juuuuust kidding. Gotcha!

Another vote for America's Second Harvest here. I can't think of a better charity that DU can collectively get behind.

[LeftyMom]

45. Great idea.

:popcorn:

[LynneSin]

51. oh ha ha ha ha

we could ask Second Harvest to buy only fruits, vegetables and grains with our donation

Fair enough :D

[Mutineer]

144. PETA is an excellent choice!

[LiberalFighter]

186. ASPCA is my vote

[AuntPatsy]

47. A great idea, I just read yesterday that the food banks are in dire need this year for helping

those in need.

[Javaman]

52. The Human Fund. LOL

:rofl:

[Breeze54]

53. America's Second Harvest would be the best! Food pantries are desperate!

National Call for Support

America's Second Harvest is urgently calling for national support to raise funds to help

millions of Americans facing hunger during the holiday season.

America's Second Harvest and the people served by food banks from coast to coast are facing a potential crisis.

We are projecting an immediate food shortage of 15 million pounds

-- the equivalent of more than 400 truckloads or 11.7 million meals -- by the end of the year.

Need is High Nationwide

The demand for food assistance is strong across the United States. The ailing economy and rising food and fuel prices are taking a toll on struggling families' budgets. Moms and dads face impossible decisions like whether to pay to heat their homes and keep their children warm or buy groceries to feed them. When they find themselves in desperate need, they turn to our network and the agencies we serve for help. Right now many of our member food banks and food-rescue organizations are seeing an increase in demand, as high as 20% in areas including Denver, Orlando and Phoenix.

The Farm Bill

Meanwhile, food banks nationwide are experiencing dramatic declines in food aid from surplus commodity purchases by the federal government. This has occurred because a healthy farm economy has required less intervention in order to support prices.

The Farm Bill, which is currently stalled in the Senate, authorizes funding for nutrition and food assistance programs for low-income families. Enacting a new Farm Bill would strengthen a long-term successful partnership between food banks and USDA, and provide much-needed food for those most in need throughout our nation.

America's Second Harvest food banks and the people we serve need a strong nutrition title in the Farm Bill enacted as soon as possible to begin replenishing dwindling inventories. Additionally, we need help from corporate and individual donors to help us replenish empty food banks shelves.

We are calling for donations to solve the holiday food shortage at food banks nationwide.

Your donation can be a part of providing 15 million pounds of food to hungry Americans.

http://www.secondharvest.org/

---------------

Every dollar you donate to America's Second Harvest - The Nation’s Food Bank Network helps provide

20 pounds of food and grocery products to men, women and children facing hunger in our country.

Please use this form to make your secure online donation.

https://secure2.convio.net/a2h/site/Donation2?idb=900773456&df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr012=dfqlqiilc2.app7b

While Americans across the country celebrate the holiday season, more than 35 million Americans,
including 12.6 million children, live in food insecure households. Support is urgently needed to
stock our food banks and get food and groceries to those in desperate need.

Now is the time to give your most generous gift. The need is more critical than ever.

. . . . . . . .

[Horse with no Name]

68. That is my choice as well

There is no doubt that there are many good charities out there that are in need.
However, hunger can affect anyone--those with AIDS, those that are homeless, those that can't read, etc.
You get the drift.

[shireen]

55. CHECK CEO compensation before selecting a charity

I wrote about this a few months back
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2102532

Many CEOs of these charities make 6-figure salaries. For me, any charity with a CEO making more than $200,000 (and I'm being generous ...) doesn't get a dime from me. That includes United Way (($600k +).

[CC]

75. Here is the latest finacial information

(tax forms) for Second Harvest. http://www.secondharvest.org/about_us/financial_statements/990_Forms.html

[NightWatcher]

57. heiffer.org, habitat, make it right NOLA, Second Harvest.....

there are too many good charities out there. Can we divide the donations amongst the top two or three that we vote on?

[emmadoggy]

104. These are all my faves too.

I agree - it's hard to pick just one.

[hippywife]

155. I second that suggestion!

Very good idea! There are too many good ones to choose from. If we go with three, I'm voting for Make It Right NOLA, Second Harvest, and Doctors without Borders.

[librechik]

58. StandUp for Kids--help for homeless and street kids, nationwide

read about them here

(unlike most food/outreach programs, no religion is involved)

http://www.standupforkids.org/


Good people!

[Dorian Gray]

60. I work in the non-profit sector...

and I absolutely love this organization:

www.cityharvest.org


It's probably too localized for you, being a NYC based charity. But it's one of my favorites, and I can't say enough about all the good it does for our community.

[alfredo]

61. Food banks are in dire straits right now. Second Harvest?

http://www.secondharvest.org/

[NashVegas]

62. War Child International

http://www.warchild.org/

War Child International is a network of independent organisations, working across the world to help children affected by war.

War Child was founded upon a fundamental goal: to advance the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war.

OUR AIMS

To alleviate the suffering of children by bringing material aid into war zones.

To support those children who have been evacuated into refugee camps.

To initiate rehabilitation programmes once children return safely to their homes.

To be instrumental in healing the psychological damage caused to children by their experiences of war.

[Octafish]

166. The little girl from Detroit who took 6 bullets for mom...

...is a person we could help here at home.

War Child meets the criteria. And there is no more important mission on earth.

Thanks for the heads-up, Crisco.

[Hestia]

64. Heifer International.

90% of funds goes towards teaching people worldwide how to feed themselves and care for animals, which benefit entire villages. I've been to their teaching ranch in Perryville, AR and was floored at how much volunteers can actually do to feed people around the world.

http://heifer.org

[Imalittleteapot]

79. Heifer is excellent

[LeftyMom]

103. Heifer promotes junk science and animal abuse. nt

[motocicleta]

148. link please. nt

[Matariki]

153. This is just slander in service of a personal agenda - with no facts to back it up.

It's fine that you don't want to donate to them because their methods go against your personal philosophy, or even that you don't want DU to donate as a group. I can respect that.

But wanton and unsubstantiated slander against a well respected organization which is very effective in alleviating hunger around the world - for the sole purpose of undermining their donations in general is unethical and bordering on sleazy.

[MonkeyFunk]

173. You won't get any facts

just an imperious pronouncement from on high.

[J-Lo Biafra]

188. Please back up that assertion with an unbiased source. n/t

[Matariki]

156. I have a friend who worked for them for years

and has spent long periods of time in rural areas of Africa, helping whole villages set up sustainable agriculture and community infrastructure. He always kept us updated on his activity via email 'blogs' and photographs. I have nothing but respect for the very effective work he did w/ Heifer.

[Sabriel]

66. Although I want to support people in the US...

...part of me wants to donate internationally as an attempt to make up for the asshole way we as a country have behaved in the past 7 years. Can we donate to Second Harvest AND kiva.org?

[DCKit]

71. Food and energy assistance.

It's never been more important.

[pinto]

73. Kick.

[Haole Girl]

74. CARE International

The need is great.

http://www.care-international.org

[Cabcere]

77. All of the charities already mentioned sound great to me

but I just wanted to add another idea to the mix. :)

The ONE Campaign To Make Poverty History: http://www.one.org

ABOUT ONE

ONE is Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life - united as ONE - to help make poverty history. We are a campaign of over 2.4 million people and growing from all 50 states and over 100 of America's most well-known and respected non-profit, advocacy and humanitarian organizations. As ONE, we are raising public awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in the world's poorest countries. As ONE, we are asking our leaders to do more to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE believes that allocating more of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world's poorest countries...

More at http://www.one.org/about/

:hi: Peace!

[Lochloosa]

83. I have a second rec. The Carter Center

http://www.cartercenter.org/homepage.html

The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Atlanta-based Center has helped to improve the quality of life for people in more than 70 countries.

Led by the Carters and an independent board of trustees, the Center's staff wage peace, fight disease, and build hope by both engaging with those at the highest levels of government and working side by side with poor and often forgotten people.

In this way, the Center has strengthened democracies in Asia, Latin America, and Africa; helped farmers double or triple grain production in 15 African countries; mediated or worked to prevent civil and international conflicts; intervened to prevent unnecessary diseases in Latin America and Africa, including the near eradication of Guinea worm disease; and strived to diminish the stigma against mental illness. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center's work is supported by donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and countries.


Our Mission
The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. While the program agenda may change, The Carter Center is guided by five principles:

The Center emphasizes action and results. Based on careful research and analysis, it is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues.
The Center does not duplicate the effective efforts of others.
The Center addresses difficult problems and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk.
The Center is nonpartisan and acts as a neutral in dispute resolution activities.
The Center believes that people can improve their lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.
The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public or private, in carrying out its mission.

[Bettycat]

84. Love Without Boundaries

http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/

You money provides life saving or life improving surgery for abandoned infants and children living in orphanages in China. Started by an adoptive mom in the US. You can even choose the child and surgery to support. Click on Medical to see their profiles. You little donation can really save a tiny life. They also have a Shop To Help section where you can use their site to go to Amazon to shop. Then Amazon donates a portion of what you spend to the LWB general medical fund. The reason I love this group is they do it for purely unselfish reasons. Being a girl in China sucks. Being an abandoned orphan is worse. But a sick baby girl with no family is doomed. Please pass on the link.

[nam78_two]

85. K*R.nt

[Whoa_Nelly]

86. America's Second Harvest

http://www.secondharvest.org/

The food banks in all states, counties and cities are suffering shortages. At Thanksgiving this year, over 100,000 people in Fresno, CA were turned away/turned down for donated food because the local food bank was wiped out.

While there are many good suggestions here, including Doctors Without Frontiers, I think it very important that we make sure people/families/children within our borders get something to eat.

[robinlynne]

87. I think the two which are most relevant to our country and this moment would be

the ACLU and New Orleans, both so symbolic of what we desperately need to fix in our country. All the ideas are wonderful, but those 2 are very pertinent.

(Although a food bank is just as much something we need to fix.)

edited for typo

[intheflow]

88. So, how can we buy the DU calendar?

:shrug:


As for the charities... I like America's Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, and/or anything that helps returnign vets and their families.

[OneGrassRoot]

91. Ditto...about the calendar and the three charity ideas. :) n/t

[Fire Walk With Me]

89. The Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Clare Foundation, any group that assists the homeless.

Thank you Skinner.

[bpeale]

92. i like makeitrightnola.org

[JohnLocke]

93. Heifer International.

http://www.heifer.org/

[kitkat65]

94. St. Jude's Children's Hospital

http://www.stjude.org

"St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

We are where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly. Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients. Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay. We've built America's 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops.

All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family's ability to pay."

To donate:
https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/express-donation.do?fnl=tnav

[Stump]

185. I like St. Jude's also...

I have been giving to them for some time now. They are my vote for first choice with Second Harvest as my second.

[rAVES]

96. Kiva.org vote and kick!

[walldude]

99. Childs Play! It's run by a couple of Gamers over at Penny Arcade

It gathers toys and video games for children's hospitals all over the world. It started small a few years ago and has grown into something huge. You really ought to check it out.

http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

[GliderGuider]

101. War Resisters Support Campaign

www.resisters.ca

The War Resisters Support Campaign urgently needs funds to help US war resisters in need and to continue to build a national campaign to ensure that the Canadian government will make a provision for US war resisters to stay in Canada.


Click here to donate: http://resisters.ca/donate.html

[emmadoggy]

106. I like Heifer Intl., Make it Right NOLA, Habitat for Humanity, America's Second Harvest..

and KIVA. There are so many worthy and needy charities right now. I would be happy with any of these.

[Occam Bandage]

107. Oxfam. I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet.

[pecwae]

108. Bestfriends.org

I want to vacation in Kanab, UT just to spend some time in Dogtown. They take all types of animals and did a great job rescuing abandoned pets in the aftermath of Katrina.

[LeftyMom]

112. I have some friends who work for them.

Amazing organization.

[pecwae]

113. That's wonderful to hear!

I'm in awe of them and their fabulous work. Please relay heartfelt thanks to them from NC.

[iamahaingttta]

121. Teach For America

http://www.teachforamerica.org/

Give the gift of education...

[JohnLocke]

199. Teach For America is a great choice

[happygoluckytoyou]

124. WOULD THE "RENT BUSH A BRAIN" FOUNDATION BE OUT OF LINE?

OK THEN I GO WITH AN AUTISM group http://www.guidestar.org/pqShowGsReport.do?partner=justgive&npoId=100285421

BUT I STILL THINK THE "RENT BUSH A BRAIN" GROUP IS MORE NEEDY AND AFFECTS MORE PEOPLE

[aggiesal]

125. City Of Hope, (Duarte, CA.)

1) No right wing agenda that I know about.

2) Their website is at:
http://www.cityofhope.org/home.htm

3) Online donations through:
https://www.cityofhope.org/donate/Main/HomePage.aspx

4) City Of Hope survives only on donations. If you can't pay
they'll never send you a bill.
Back in 1984, my younger brother was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia,
a form of Leukemia. My parents had 8 of us, with at least 3 still
attending college, so paying for any treatment would be difficult if
not impossible. They were referred to City of Hope, where my brother
received treatment, and they put my parents up in a small apartment
while my brother was getting treatment. He has been in remission since
without a hint of any problems. And, my parents never received a bill.
I'll never forget City Of Hope.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

128. Refugees International

Website: wwww.refugeesinternational.org

Their only agenda is to help refugees. They are not connected to any government, and take no money from governments or the UN. In 2003, Ken Bacon, the president of the organization, wrote strong op-ed pieces about not going to war, and this organization works to help Iraqi refugees and to keep them in the spotlight.

[Mnemosyne]

137. Heifer International - a gift that keeps on giving through generations.

Heifer helps families and communities world-wide to obtain sustainable resources for food and income to eliminate poverty.

Best charity ever, IMHO! :applause:

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.183217/

[Matariki]

139. Rebuild New Orleans - www.makeitrightnola.org

http://www.makeitrightnola.org/mir_SUB.php?section=donations&page=main

[motocicleta]

145. Adopt a Village (AAV)

http://www.toadoptavillage.org/index.shtml

This program started in Uganda (and California), based on the founders reading of Jeffrey Sachs' book, The End of Poverty. The program matches wealthy US and international Rotary clubs with villages in need of health, education, and income generation projects. Each grant, which combines the funds of the individual Rotary club with the funds of Rotary International, addresses all three of these components in order to make a long term, sustainable benefit for some extremely poor villages.

Begun just three years ago, AAV is now growing like crazy, working with over twenty villages in Uganda and Kenya, and getting interest from Rotary clubs in Pakistan, several South American countries, and other African countries. It is a simple, sustainable, and efficient way to positively affect the lives of the desperately poverty-stricken people that we know exist but we often cannot help unless a severe crisis is at hand. It is a way of ending the crushing poverty that some 1/4 of the planet's inhabitants suffer through every day.

The website is a link to their program, and the folks there have started a foundation, Ant Hill, which is the legal charitable donation arm to fund the program. Ant Hill, as yet, does not have a web presence, but it will soon.

Even if AAV does not win the DU Drive, please keep the name in mind, and visit the website. I guarantee this program will make a huge difference in the lives of some of the most poverty-ridden people on our planet, and that it deserves all the support DUers can bring to bear.

[motocicleta]

149. Off topic:

It's funny to me that of my incredibly massive ignore list, based almost solely on nomination idiocy, only one person shows up on this thread.

I'd wager it's fair to say that most of the jackasses on my list just don't give a shit about good stuff like donating to benefit the least among us. Just as I suspected.

Jackasses.

[NMDemDist2]

150. one person, or one 'ignored' ??? n/t

[motocicleta]

152. One ignored

which I think equals one person, no?

[Bluebear]

175. apologies, wrong place

[RainDog]

151. Doctors Without Borders is one possibility

tho I think a food bank in the U.S. might have a more immediate and bigger impact.

[me b zola]

157. Second Harvest, makeitrightnola, kiva

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

159. I Say The Same As Last Year. America's Second Harvest. They Just Called The Other Day.

The guy sounded quite sincere in explaining how there is a shortage this year and the food banks are really low compared to the demand. I could tell they really needed donations and already have done my part. But I know they were looked into deeply last year and they proved to be an amazingly worthwhile and helpful charity. I don't think that's changed and I think they need the collective support of DU more than ever.

I would urge my fellow DU'ers (as well as the admins, of course) to heavily consider them yet again. It is in my opinion the most overall beneficial and easy to support charity that's out there.

[Hekate]

160. Second Harvest sounds like a good choice again. Thanks!!

:hi:

[proud patriot]

162. kick and recommend

:)

[Blue Fire]

163. Gotta go with Second Harvest

We can't change the world until we fix what's wrong here at home. Nobody should go hungry in the worlds wealthiest nation. Let's go with Second Harvest.

[Historic NY]

169. The Smile Train - give a child back a smile........

http://www.smiletrain.org/site/PageServer

The worlds leading cleft surgery charity. Helping children world wide.

It just might be the most effective, impactful donation to a charity
you ever make.100% of your donation will go towards programs that help children, 0% will go to overhead. The free cleft surgery your donation will help provide, is a true, modern-day medical miracle: it costs as little as $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes. That’s all it takes to give a desperate child not just a new smile, but a new life. When you see the impact your donation has, you’ll end up smiling too.

Fmr. Sen. Bill Bradley call the Smile Train one of the well managed, cost efficient charities around.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smile_Train
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/smile-train/

[Bluebear]

176. So many fine choices, I can only chime in to say how can we go wrong with any of these? :)

[alfredo]

177. Kick

[A-Schwarzenegger]

181. RNC.

I hear theyre hurting. :)

Seriously, I'd go with something to support Iraq War vets in any way.

[LynneSin]

191. Perhaps we can adopt a republican candidate

:eyes:

[A-Schwarzenegger]

195. I thought we did already!

:hi:

[orleans]

182. so many great suggestions here. how do you decide?

i like second harvest, dr w/o boarders & do it right for nola

[Sherman A1]

184. Only Doctors without Borders or the Carter Center come to mind

but as posted here earlier, the ones listed above this are also fine choices.

[alfredo]

190. Joel Pett on food banks

[mtnester]

192. After the post I saw from Ozark Dem on his friend's attempted suicide

Maybe it ought to be the post that defines the charity? (Breast cancer, mental health, some type of agency that helps uninsured?)

Read it and see what you think:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2419760&mesg_id=2419760

On Edit - maybe OzarkDem can help with a specific activist group or charity name?

[ourbluenation]

197. UNICEF Inspired giving...- $40 buys bike for healthworker, $17 for 50 L of theraputic milk, etc...

http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ig_homepage

[proud patriot]

200. I vote for Second Harvest

:loveya:

[Blue-Jay]

201. How about Heifer International?

Awesome charity!

:D

[siri2k]

203. NRDC - Polar Bear SOS campaign

Natural Resources Defense Council

Tell the Bush Administration to protect polar bears and their critical habitat
Polar bears are completely dependent on Arctic sea ice to survive, but 80 percent of that ice could be gone in 20 years and all of it by 2040. Polar bears are already suffering the effects: birth rates are falling, fewer cubs are surviving, and more bears are drowning. The Bush Administration's proposal to list the polar bear as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act is a crucial first step toward ensuring a future for these magnificent Arctic creatures. Yet the administration's proposal does not designate "critical habitat" for protection, even though melting habitat from global warming is the main threat to the polar bear's survival.

http://www.nrdc.org/

http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/polarbearsos_0407

[JohnLocke]

204. The Natural Resources Defense Council is a great choice...

[michreject]

205. I tried

Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours

[NMDemDist2]

206. what's going on with this? n/t

[Phillycat]

207. The ASPCA.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer

[momophile]

210. kick! nt