The after Thanksgiving shopping frenzy is over, and it’s Giving Tuesday. Just another money-grabbing day to tack on to the madness? Come on now. We’re not that jaded, are we? I like Giving Tuesday! I get to shop, give gifts, perform Corporal Works of Mercy, and I don’t even need to leave my couch. And you can do the same.
Below are seven organizations you can give to from the comfort of your sofa. And you don’t have to do them all today; Pin this post for days when you’re looking to spread a little Christ out into the world.
Feed the Hungry
I love the mission of Heifer. They aim to end hunger and poverty across the globe by providing the means for sustainable agriculture in communities where there is a long history of struggle. Your donations help provide animals such as heifers, goats, and bees, as well as fund training for the recipients so they can have a steady supply of food from the animals and their by products. Families are also able to earn income by selling the surplus of their labor at local markets.
Give Drink to the Thirsty
The Flint, MI water crisis isn’t in the news anymore, but it is still a major problem for residents. Catholic Charities spearheads one of the biggest efforts to provide bottled water and fresh produce among other necessities for members of the community. You can send cases of bottled water per the requirements on their site, or you can donate to their Go Fund Me page.
Shelter the Homeless
Mary’s Mantle is a home for homeless pregnant women in Southeast Michigan. They provide shelter, but they also help women with job search, apartment hunting, parenting skills, nutrition classes, Bible studies, and many other practical skills that will help them beyond their stay. They even have an after-care program so the women can continue to receive support and guidance after they leave.
Visit the Sick
Child’s Play improves the lives of hospitalized children through toys and games. You can donate through PayPal, or you can search for a hospital near you and view its Amazon Wishlist.
Visit the Imprisioned
Chicago Books to Women in Prison is a volunteer organization that matches books to the requests made by incarcerated women in Chicago and other cities from California to Ohio and many states in between. Each inmate is sent three books with an order form to receive more. Requests range from dictionaries and Bibles to crafting books and GED prep. Browse their Amazon wish list to see which books are in high demand right now.
Bury the Dead
Gavin’s Gifts provides caskets for families who are mourning a stillbirth of a child. The average cost to make one of these caskets is $140, and 100% of your donation goes to buying supplies: wood, hardware, silk, and embellishments.
Give Alms to the Poor
The philosophy behind GiveDirectly is simple: they give money to the poor, no strings attached, and they allow those people to purchase whatever they need with that money. Some may argue that teaching a man to fish is a better model of charity, but that man also needs assistance while he is learning the trade.
“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25: 40