Philanthropy
The Metropolitan respectfully reminds our readers there are those who will be going without this season. If you have it within your means to toss some change into the Red Kettle on your next trip to the Post Office, please do; or, deliver a bag of clothes to the nearest church; or, simply pick up a shovel and help an elderly neighbor remove some of this year’s snow.
We suggest also considering the following organizations. Each has a solid reputation for good work. Information on these organizations was sourced directly from their sites.
The Salvation Army
The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless. Donations and financial assistance provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need, including families of prisoners.Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten. SalvationArmyUSA.org
Gleaners Community Food Bank
For more than 37 years, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been “feeding hungry people and nourishing our communities.” Last year, Gleaners distributed 41 million pounds of emergency food to more than 550 partner soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 94 cents for food and food programs. Only 6% is used for overhead. One dollar provides three meals for a hungry neighbor. Gcfb.org
YMCA
Believing that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, deserves to be healthy, confident, connected and secure, the Y is a powerful ally and advocate for our communities. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y collaborates with national and community-based leaders and policymakers to increase the resources and support that empower individuals, families and communities to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is a cause for strengthening community, working tirelessly to nurture the potential of kids, improve the nation’s health and well-being and give back and support our neighbors. When you advocate with the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change for your family, friends and community. ymcadetroit.org/
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened in 1962. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because the majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that “No child should die in the dawn of life.” StJude.org
Information for charitable organization and not-for-profits can be found on sites like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch, among others.