You’ve shopped till you dropped and tracked down the ideal item for each loved one on your list. Now, you’re wondering how best to give back to others in need, those you may not know. Whether it’s time, talent or money that you have to spare, these 15 altruistic organizations can continue to help others, with your help.
GIVE of Money
1. Make-a-Wish Foundation The Make-a-Wish Foundation began in 1980 with the wish of Chris Greicius, an Arizona boy with leukemia, to become the state’s first and only honorary Arizona highway patrolman. Since then, with the support of public donations, critically ill Arizona children have had wishes granted as diverse as swimming with dolphins and spending a day as a pickle factory worker. 800.324.9474, www.wishaz.org.
2. 100 Club of Arizona Donate to this organization to help make tough times easier for families of area police officers and firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty. The 100 Club also helps local agencies purchase updated safety equipment. 602.485.0100, www.100club.org.
3. Drive the Dream Gala On Jan. 10, travel back to the Golden Age of Hollywood at Childhelp and Barrett-Jackson’s 5th Annual Drive the Dream Gala at WestWorld. Events celebrating Childhelp’s 50th anniversary include a cocktail reception, a dinner and a live auction, all to support the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Individual tickets are $1,000, and tables are $10,000 to $50,000. 480.922.8212, www.childhelp.org.
4. Operation Noah Started by a Chandler teen, this nonprofit’s goal is that no child will have to undergo a hospital visit without a stuffed animal by his or her side. 480.899.0022, www.operationnoah.info.
5. Welcome to America Project This Scottsdale-based group furnishes the bare apartments of refugees from war-torn countries who've been located in Phoenix by refugee agencies with UN approval. Members of the project deliver furniture, linens and cooking supplies, signifying welcome and hope. A $200 donation furnishes an entire apartment for a family of four. 602.820.3224, www.wtap.org.
