15 Amazing charities to support this holiday season

According to Ph.D. sociologist Tracy Brower, giving can be as good for you as it is for others. In a 2021 Forbes article, Brower explained that generosity could ultimately help add value to ourselves daily and makes us feel a part of society. That is something to keep in mind all year, but the holidays are always an excellent reminder to help others.

Holiday donations can help bring Christmas joy to everybody, but they can also be an opportunity to support year-long causes. Here's a list of holiday-related charities and other organizations that accept special donations this year. All of them were revised by watchdogs.

If you are interested in supporting worldwide causes, an international charity is the way to go. Most of these organizations offer the possibility to make donations that signify a tangible item, which can make a perfect holiday gift. For example, you can give medical exams and care for children in developing countries in the name of a loved one.

Plan International is committed to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. The organization puts a special effort in conflict areas where girls are most vulnerable and has a robust transparency policy. Watchdog Charity Navigator gives it a 100 score in the Accountability and Finance aspect.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the largest worldwide network of humanitarian organizations. It receives general donations and allows donors to give resources to specific emergency responses. The Federation is the humanitarian branch of the International Red Cross. Charity Navigator gives it the best Culture & Community and Leadership & Adaptability scores.

If you wish to help a religious organization, specifically an evangelical Christian, Samaritan's Purse should be your choice. They list Christmas gifts you can purchase for someone in need, from medical procedures to actual presents. Charity Navigator gives it a score of 90 in accountability. You can confidently donate if this charity aligns with your passions and values.

Save The Children is a trusted organization with approval from relevant watchdogs like Charity Navigate, Charity Watch, and Guide Star. Their work provides healthcare, food, shelter, learning aid, and protection services to children in need. You can make a one-time donation or choose to give monthly.

Make-A-Wish International grant wishes to children suffering from critical illnesses in more than 40 countries. This month, the organization will triple each donation and allow them to be in the name of a loved one. You can send a digital card to a special someone telling them you gave in their name.

The Salvation Army has local branches in most of the world. You can search for a local one or donate to their world office. In the UK and Ireland, the organization has a Christmas initiative to which you can contribute. It is a Christian organization that guarantees assistance without discrimination.

Action Against Hunger fights for food security. They have local staff in their action zones and are one of the world's highest-rated nonprofits. This holiday season, the organization offers to match each donation dollar for dollar.

If you prefer to see the results in your community, you can donate to a local charity. Check with watchdogs that specifically work in your country to give confidently. Here are a few organizations from different countries with sound accountability systems.

The Prison Fellowship Ministries Foundation carries the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, an initiative that equips churches to strengthen relationships between children and incarcerated parents. During the holidays, it mobilizes churches to deliver gifts to these children with a message from their incarcerated parent. Charity Navigator gives it a 95 score.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation collects toys for girls and boys in need every Christmas. They have several donation options, including holiday recognition and literacy programs. The organization has a 91 score in the Charity Navigator rating.

The Charities Advisory Trust holds Good Gift, an organization that allows you to give a gift to someone in need in the name of a loved one. During the Holidays, they release Christmas Cards that support the popular donations. It is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and spends about 75% of its donations directly on charitable activities.

In seven countries, UK-based Toybox protects street children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The organizations made a Christmas wish list for these children that shows specific issues you can help fight. According to the Charity Commission for England and Wales, 80% of their spending goes to charitable activities.

The Pyjama Foundation provides learning aid for out-of-home care children through mentors. The organization's Christmas appeal has a matching initiative that can duplicate your donation, which will also finance a Christmas gift for every kid in the program. The charity's financial information is on the website of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Simply Giving is not a charity but an online toy drive tool. It pairs donors with organizations through simple steps in a single platform. It is a good option if you need to know which charity to donate to and would prefer to look at a list of verified initiatives looking for toys.

Watchdog Charity Intelligence says First Book is one of Canada's charities with the most impact. The organization hopes to send 100,000 books to children's homes for the holidays this year. It has already delivered 10 million across the country since 2009.

Also in Charity Intelligence's top ten list, health organization Effect Hope is an excellent option for a Holiday donation. They have a list of gifts you can give a person suffering from leprosy and other options like Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene training and supplies for health workers.

It is always ok to feel the need to give, especially during the Holidays, but the Charity Commission for England and Wales has a few tips to avoid scams. When approached by collectors, check for an ID badge and a sealed collection tin. You can also ask for more information about the organization. A genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer them.

Now you can enjoy the benefits of helping others with just a few precautions like checking organizations through watchdogs, checking websites, and being careful with collectors.