Cliché, I know, but we learn that as we grow older, it truly is much more rewarding to give than to receive. Giving gifts that light up my family and friends’ faces are memories that I will cherish a lifetime. One very special feeling, especially at this time of year, is donating to those in need. My husband and I try to give each month to charity, even if it is just a little, because the feeling of giving, whether it is to a cause for human needs, our furry friends, the environment and so much more, feels wonderful.
I would love to take a minute this #GivingTuesday and share with you some of the Heron Agency team’s favorite charities we will be donating to this season. Feel free to share some of your favorite causes in the comments section; we always love to hear the news of those doing good in the world.
-Any Soldier (www.anysoldier.com) Any Soldier Inc. helps American Troops in all branches of the military, both active duty and reservists, and has become one of the leading efforts in making sure the men and women who have been deployed for the war are cared for, via letters and packages from “home.” AnySoldier.com features emails from different military personnel regarding the type of support needed in the field. The support could be in the form of a simple letter or package, or it could toiletries, food or even newspapers and magazines. Donors address their letters and packages to the writer’s name, but also add the words “ATTN: Any Soldier” on the second line. The writer shares the mail with fellow servicemen and women. If there is “Any Soldier” who is not receiving a lot of mail from home, that soldier will be the first person to receive the letter. (Noreen)
-One Tail at a Time (www.OneTail.org) A no-kill, 501(c)3 all-breed dog rescue committed to lowering euthanasia rates in the greater Chicagoland area through the rescue and adoption of dogs in need; comprehensive support of adopters; and community outreach through humane education programs and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. (Lianne)
-A Silver Lining Foundation (www.asilverliningfoundation.org) Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg the mission of A Silver Lining Foundation a 501(c3) is to ensure dignified, respectful and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, by creating meaningful partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations. A Silver Lining Foundation’s Vision is to ensure that socioeconomic status does not affect an individual’s ability to obtain information, timely cancer screening and diagnosis. (Jennifer)
-Metropolitan Family Services (www.metrofamily.org) – Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. (Ellen)
-The Anti-Cruelty Society (http://anticruelty.org) – The mission of the Anti-Cruelty Society is to build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people. The Anti-Cruelty Society is committed to caring and shall provide compassionate care for any animal in need, attempt to find a home for every healthy or rehabilitatable cat and dog that comes to them, intervene to prevent cruelty to animals, partner with the community to educate on animal issues and inspire compassion and respect, and provide low or no-cost spaying or neutering. (Holly)
-Sierra Club Foundation (www.sierraclubfoundation.org) Founded in 1960, The Sierra Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity governed by an independent board of directors. Their mission is to promote efforts to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment. (Courtney)
-Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. They accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. (Caryn)
-Respiratory Health Foundation (www.lungchicago.org) Respiratory Health Association’s mission is to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education. (Annemarie)
-Make A Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 27,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 37 minutes. It has granted more than 254,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 14,200 in 2014 alone. (Andrea)
-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org) The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care. (Nick)
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