Groups to Consider for the Holidays
The recession has not been kind to people this year. Which is why it is imperative more than ever to give to those less fortunate this holiday season. So, I compiled a small list of noteworthy groups that deserve your monetary support. Why not give a gift of donation to these various charities and non-profit organizations?
If you have a different favorite charity, I would love to know who they are!
Soldiers Organized Services
I have been volunteering with these guys since 2007 and it is my favorite non-profit organization. Founder and one-woman force of nature Erica Stone keeps it afloat with her smiles and passion. What do they do? Soldiers Organized Services gives free transportation to military servicemembers and their families from Palm Springs Airport to Twentynine Palms, California. They have just recently started a new chapter in Ellis Airport serving Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Sponsoring a tank of gas gives 12–15 Marines free rides.
→ Soldiers Organized Services
→ Donate to SOS
Desert AIDS Project
AIDS is not old news. It is very, very much a devastating reality for many people. And with the recent budget cuts in California and many other states in the country, organizations like the Desert AIDS Project (DAP) need more than ever your support to continue providing services to people whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS. When actress and longtime HIV/AIDS activist Morgan Fairchild lent her star power during a DAP (and IncredibleArtist.Com) unveiling of a sculpture, she reminded people that unless a cure is found, the epidemic will continue.
→ Desert AIDS Project
→ Donate to DAP
Rosie’s Broadway Kids
Rosie O’Donnell started this charity in 2003 and since then has grown into a major force of change in the lives of countless of children in New York City. Rosie’s Broadway Kids (RBKids) is dedicated to providing quality instruction in music and dance at no cost to New York City public schools or students. Furthermore, 80% of the students are from low-income families. I find it extremely inspiring that RBKids are using the arts and music to change the lives of many disadvantaged children.
→ Rosie’s Broadway Kids
→ Donate to RBKids
Art4aCure
While Rosie’s group use the arts to change lives, Art4aCure uses art to heal and to search for a cure. The brainchild of cancer survivor Rick Pantele to benefit the Premiere Oncology Foundation, proceeds raised through this program goes toward cancer research, support, education, and integrative medicine. It also has an added benefit of completely surrounding cancer patients with amazing visual imagery by transforming their clinics into beautiful gallery spaces.
