A few weeks ago we published our Kelloggshow Adventurers 2014 Gift Buying Guide that rounded up some of the most amazing items that adventure travelers would love love LOVE. But today, I want to talk about another type of giving, one that helps, one that has long-lasting effects, for both the giver and the receiver.
During the Christmas season, many of us look for ways to reach out to those in our community who need help, but giving to massive charities just seems so cold and impersonal, plus we’ve heard so many stories about where the money actually goes that we have become very skeptical of most.
Choosing a trustworthy and reliable charity for your family project may seem a daunting if not impossible task. Each of these favorite charities offer unique ways to reach their recipients and really truly get down to the art of helping by making a huge difference in the lives of others!
-
First Descents
“First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same!”
In a nutshell – Blow Me Away. Find out more about First Descents here. https://firstdescents.org/
-
Kate’s Christmas Drive
Kate McRae is a sweet 10 year old girl who is fighting a very rare form of brain cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2009 at the age of 6 and has just recently relapsed for the second time. Despite the fact that she’s in yet another round of chemo, she insisted on continuing her tradition of giving to other families who are struggling with childhood cancer. Here are the FAQ’s:
Who will the recipients be this year: Kids fighting pediatric brain cancer
What will they hopefully receive: A box full of relevant gift cards for their family
Who was helped last year: 30 families fighting pediatric cancers throughout the US with about $1,000 of gift cards for each family
How can you help: Simple. Send in gift cards. Any denominations. Any stores. And we will allocate them to the families for whom they would be useful.
Most used gift cards: Target, Walmart, Gas cards, Toys R Us, Kohls, Starbucks (many hospitals have a Starbucks), Visa, Clothing stores, Grocery stores, Amazon, various Restaurants
Please send cards to: Kate McRae or Holly McRae (Kate’s Christmas drive) PO Box 9569 Alta Loma, CA 91701
-
ICU Mobile
Obviously with 12 children we believe in the sanctity of human life. There is no more perverted evil than making abortion anything but trivialized murder. Denying women the ability to see, first hand, the baby that is growing inside of them is not empowering women, but victimizing them. ICU Mobile aims to change that by offering free Ultrasounds to abortion inclined women who otherwise would not be able to afford one. Information and education is the most empowering of gifts! Donate here: http://icumobile.org/go-with-icu/support-mobile/how-donate
4. Local Animal Shelter
We are lucky in that our local shelter is a no-kill shelter and the people that rally behind it are incredibly selfless and giving of their time, money and love. Find one of these close to you, offer to be a foster family or bring the kids out to help socialize the animals. Obviously none of their efforts are fruitful without financial support, so do what you can!! 🙂 If you can’t find a good one, here’s ours: http://www.coloradoanimalrescue.org/
Nice list. Your family is so inspiring. We are looking for our first RV, how did you choose which to purchase? What did you find you couldn’t live without?