Charitable Giving Tips & Charities for Kids | Kids & Money

	    charitable-giving ideas for kids
	Impart valuable lessons in empathy and citizenship to your children by volunteering and/or by making financial donations to one of these worthy charities.
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advertisementWe can all agree that we're presently living through some challenging economic times, but we'd have to admit that many people (including children) throughout the world have it so much tougher. Some suffer from life-threatening illnesses, some have never been to school or even seen a doctor or dentist, and some have never had a full belly or gotten a present. 



It's a good idea to let kids know that there are people who care about those less fortunate and are willing to help those in need. You can impart valuable lessons in empathy and citizenship to your children by carefully explaining how your family can help by volunteering and/or by making financial donations to a worthy charity. Talk to your children about these worthy causes, and together make a family decision if you'd like to help in some way. Charity, indeed, does begin at home.
advertisementSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalFounded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude Children's Hospital is one of the premier pediatric research hospitals in the world, focusing on catastrophic childhood diseases such as cancers, immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. Treating about 5,400 patients a year, St. Jude also has 78 beds for kids requiring hospitalization during treatment. St. Jude does not turn away children accepted for treatment based on their family's ability to pay or for therapies not covered by insurance.
advertisementSave the ChildrenAn international relief organization since 1919, Save the Children has an astounding record of helping the neediest and most helpless, the world's children, survive and thrive during difficult times. Programs include reducing child mortality, delivering emergency food and medical assistance, training for economic development, and instituting early childhood education programs in over 6,200 localities in 15 countries.
advertisementJuvenile Diabetes Research FoundationFounded in 1970 by parents of children with juvenile diabetes, JDRF has one single mission: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Time magazine calls JDRF "one of the nation's most forceful disease advocacy groups." Through collaboration with other research organizations and governmental groups and after 38 years of painstaking research, trials, and advocacy, they now have publicly stated that a cure for juvenile diabetes is not only possible in the near future but likely.
advertisementElizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS FoundationBorn from a family tragedy in 1988, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation is now one of the leading global organizations dedicated to preventing pediatric HIV infection and eliminating pediatric AIDS through their various worldwide advocacy programs, research, prevention, and treatment. Programs fund efforts such as fighting and educating against mother-to child transmission of HIV and bringing treatment and care to families worldwide living with HIV/AIDS.
advertisementThe World Wildlife FundThe WWF has been protecting the natural beauty of our planet for over 45 years, working in over 100 countries and supported by 1.2 million members worldwide. Join them in conserving the largest tropical rain forests, the most diverse coral reefs, and the world's most endangered species. Kids can "adopt" one or more of 90 animals and receive an adoption kit, which can include a framed adoption certificate, plush dolls, gift bag, and more.
advertisementOperation SmileAs the saying goes: "Everyone smiles in the same language." Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is an international medical charity with a presence in 51 countries that dedicates itself through its network of volunteers to treating children (130,000 and counting) born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities. In addition, they train local medical personnel in partner countries in these medical techniques so they can continue the work. As another saying goes: "If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine."
advertisementUNICEFA charity your child knows well around Halloween each year, UNICEF is more than just a collection of pennies. Their mandate is gigantic and the work endless. UNICEF focuses in areas such as childhood immunizations, nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, sanitary and potable water, universal education for all children (especially girls), emergency humanitarian relief, fighting child labor, and much, much more. And there's much more to do.
advertisementMarine Toys for Tots FoundationImagine it's Christmastime or the holiday season and kids everywhere are impatiently awaiting their gifts from Santa or from their parents--only to be disappointed because the adults couldn't afford to buy gifts and toys. Here's where the U.S. Marines step in. A strapping, spit-polished marine comes to the rescue and delivers a shiny new toy to those truly in need, allowing an eager youngster to experience the joys of the season. Those toys come from all of us.
advertisementMake-a-Wish FoundationThe Make-a-Wish Foundation does some truly amazing work for children with life-threatening medical conditions whose lives are in peril, granting an opportunity for those sick children's wishes to come true. Some kids want to meet a celebrity or athlete, others just want to go to a theme park or simply just to see snow for the first time, so the Foundation tries to match desire with action and make those wishes a reality. A wish experience can be an extraordinarily powerful catalyst for positive change in their moods and outlooks on life.
advertisementHole in the Wall CampsFounded by legendary actor Paul Newman in 1988, the Hole in the Wall Camps Association has grown into a movement encompassing camps in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia, all dedicated to allowing children with serious medical conditions to enjoy life, romp and play in the fresh air, and most importantly to have fun--at no charge. Children build inner strength and reclaim control over their medical conditions, because at these camps they truly believe that "laughter is the best medicine."
advertisementThe Humane SocietyThe Humane Society is America's largest animal protection organization, with many affiliates and millions of members. Their mandate is to protect all animals from cruelty, whether from medical experiments, overcrowded and unsanitary housing, barbaric slaughtering, or being used as gladiators in illegal fighting rings. The Humane Society also tries to protect animals through local and national legislation, litigation if necessary, investigation, education, advocacy and field work.
charitable-giving ideas for kids

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Save the Children

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation

The World Wildlife Fund

Operation Smile

UNICEF

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Make-a-Wish Foundation

Hole in the Wall Camps

The Humane Society

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