5 Ways You Can Help Families in Need This Holiday Season

If you have spending money left over from your holiday gift budget, consider giving it to someone in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on families around the country, and the end of the year is a great time to lift up people in your community and beyond. From food banks to toy collections, here are five family-focused charities that could use your donations.

1. Women In Transition

Women In Transition was founded as a feminist collective in 1971 with just two full-time staff members. Today, they are a robust charity providing support to people impacted by domestic violence and substance abuse. Your donation will be used to fund resources such as counseling, self-defense classes, and toys and childcare for kids while their caretakers are using these services.

2. Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is on a mission to get gifts into the hands of as many kids as possible. The charity from the Marines accepts monetary donations, 96 percent of which go toward providing toys, books, and other gifts to underprivileged children. You can also visit their virtual toy box to select a donation amount that matches a specific toy.

3. Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America supports families and individuals in numerous ways. Your monetary donation could help fund meals, job training, or shelter for people who depend on the charity’s resources. Local offices also accept donations in the form of food, clothing, and even used vehicles.

4. Feeding America

Feeding America is a national organization that provides help at the local level. Their network of sites includes 200 food banks and 60,000 meal programs and food pantries. Every dollar of your donation provides at least 10 meals for hungry families across the country.

5. The Family Promise

The Family Promise serves homeless families and families at risk of becoming homeless. When you make a donation to this charity, your money is used to provide emergency shelter and meals as well as long-term services like mentoring and health care.