As I get requests throughout the year for donations, I now save them and in December I decide to which 10 or so organizations I will donate. Over the years my list has changed, but currently, the following are the 11 for December, 2010. It always includes local, national and international organizations. It’s not easy making a choice as so many are worthy.
Since my son was diagnosed with Schizophrenia about 30 years ago, I donate to:
NAMI (National Alliance of the Mentally Ill) – a wonderful organization recognized for helping to change laws to benefit the mentally ill. I remember going to their first meeting in Washington, D.C. about 30 years ago.
NAMI-NJ – I started the NJ chapter about 22 years ago and it has evolved into a wonderful resource for parents as well making an impact on NJ legislation. My son is now one of the speakers of their “In Our Own Voice” program.
NAMI-Middlesex County, NJ – 30 years ago, it was called Concerned Citizens for Chronic Psychiatric Adults (CCCPA) and this was our first experience in being part of a support group of parents that absolutely saved my life. Its focus became creating housing for the mentally ill, which was so successful that another organization was created to handle the housing.
TRIPLE C HOUSING – is now a growing organization that currently oversees about 12 homes/apartments and counseling for about 60 people in Central NJ.
ALSO:
YIDDISH BOOK CENTER – has been rescuing Yiddish literature since 1980. Started by Aaron Lansky because he had trouble finding books in Yiddish for his Master’s Degree. Look at their website to see how they have grown.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Focus on physical and emotional needs of the Jewish population in Central NJ.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY – Brand new museum in Philadelphia.
ZIMMERLI MUSEUM OF RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – Art and creativity have always been a passion for me so this is my way of helping to support in a small way.
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS and AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL – Two wonderful and much needed global organizations.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ VOLUNTEER FIRST AID SQUAD – Their work needs to be supported. They are caring and dependable.
Making donations once a year was an idea that a friend gave me. It helps me to focus on what I can afford to give and helps me be more organized about it.
Hope all you ElderChicks out there have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and fun 2011. [Please leave a comment here.]
ElderChicks 
Thank you for all those worthy sites, Elena. I recently stopped all contributions solicited by phone and asked callers to send me mail about their organizations. I’ve learned that when I actually go to the organization’s website I learn enough to determine whether my contribution is actually profiting the solicitation company rather than the worthy cause.