Today’s children often grow up in a world of luxury where food, shelter, and education are a given. Getting them involved in charity work at an early age is a great way to make them grateful for what they have and show them how generosity can be contagious. Below is a list of the top 100 charitable activities and sites for children, teens, adults, and families in general.
Best Overall Charities
Families who want to volunteer, contribute, take action, and more would do well to visit the sites below for the best ways to give, time, money, and hope.
1. VolunteerMatch: Currently with over 65,000 participating organizations, this site has many opportunities to choose from. Just type in your location and interests and VolunteerMatch will find many options for charitable families.
2. Volunteers of America: This faith-based organization is dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe, and productive lives. Get more information on the many services they provide, or find an opportunity in your area.
3. Idealist: Located in New York, this site currently has over 88,000 volunteers registered. Register yourself or kids in seconds, and find out more about opportunities in your area.
4. IAVE: The International Association for Volunteer Effort places its volunteers all over the world. It is ideal for those looking to help out overseas and has a great deal of related information.
5. Volunteering Solutions: This site has information on volunteering abroad in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Read testimonials, or learn how you and your family can apply.
6. Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration: This organization strives to make volunteers their best by having them certified. Learn what makes a volunteer truly stand out, along with information on certification.
7. Big Brothers and Big Sisters: With a ton of different programs and locations throughout the nation, families are sure to find charitable activities. And as always, adults are still encouraged to become a sibling to a child in need.
8. Salvation Army: A leading name in item donations, the Salvation Army also excepts airline miles, cars, furniture, and even gives a Valuation Guide for donations. You can also volunteer for one of their many programs.
9. Goodwill: Got clothes, toys, and other items lying around the house? Then find a chapter in your location to donate, as well as get a break on your taxes.
10. Christian Foundation for Children and Aging: The CFCA helps families in developing countries get food and send their children to school. Read the blog, sponsor a child or senior, or even learn more about one of their upcoming trips.
11. YMCA: With hundreds of locations across the country, your local YMCA has many charitable opportunities for families. You can also take a class, teach, volunteer, and more.
12. Food For The Poor: This is a leading international relief and development charity in the United States, feeding 2 million poor people everyday. Get information about mission trips, read the journal, listen to their radio station, and more.
13. Amnesty International: Through membership or donation, you can help further the quest for human rights across the world. Be sure to scroll down to check out what is being done to combat the latest injustices.
14. American Cancer Society: Whether you’re ready to sign up to volunteer from the start or need a little more information, the ACS makes it easy to have your questions answered. You can even watch a video message on the benefits of volunteering.
15. Give Blood: The American Red Cross has a massive database on giving blood. You can visit the website, call the hotline, or learn more about who can give blood.
16. Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Join the fight against breast cancer with this leading organization. Most known for their Race for the Cure, families can find a race by month, year, or location.
17. International Commission: If you’re interested in getting your church, as well as your family, to participate in a charitable activity, visit this site. Read more about the international partnerships being founded and learn how you can help.
18. Habitat for Humanity: A leader in charitable activities, Habitat has many opportunities for families who want to work with their hands. Simply type in your location and be linked to a branch in your area.
19. City of Hope: A top center in the fight against cancer, families can find loads of ways to contribute. Get information on volunteering, donating blood or marrow, and much more.
20. America’s Literacy Directory: Got adults or children who are interested in getting others to read? Then visit this site, type in your location, select your program, and get information on organizations that need your help.
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