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Not Feeling Like Daddy Warbucks? Kat Vossler  |
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 Tis the season. Well, almost. As the holidays approach, national and local charities alike will be asking for your donation. If you’re worried about budgeting for gifts and giving in the next few months, check out these tips on how to spend wisely.
Donate time, not money. Money isn’t the only way to give. Yes, your dollar can mean a lot; however your time is also valuable. Volunteering as a bell ringer, serving food at a soup kitchen, and caroling is a great way to give. Plus, the personal satisfaction is something that can never be bought.
Don’t feel pressured. During the months of November and December, charities double their efforts to get your donation. If you honestly don’t want to give, then don’t feel guilty. It’s okay not to open your wallet to charities all of the time.
Give only what you can. Walking into supermarkets, malls and virtually all public places makes you an open target for people asking for donations. If you’ve made a budget with a small margin for error, then stick to your original plan. No good can come of stressing and stretching yourself out financially.
Pick one. Thousands of charities are out there. Are you passionate about fighting breast cancer? Look for a local cancer charity. Want to help the homeless? Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Pick a cause that means something to you and stick with donating to that cause.
Check credentials. Sure, it’s easy to donate to national agencies like the American Red Cross or United way, and be confident that your money is going where it should. However, not everyone asking for money is honest. Look for contact information. Ask for a receipt and to see a donation record. If a charity looks like it’s a fake, it probably is.
Know where your money is going. Make sure your money is going right to the charity, and not through a middle man. Reputable charities have an expense breakdown, so you see how money is divided within the organization. Make sure that program expenses exceed administrative expenses.
Looking for reputable and local place to give to? Check out these Denver charities:
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver
Community Share of Colorado
Denver Foundation
Dumb Friends League
Energy Outreach of Colorado
Food Bank of the Rockies
Habitat for humanity of Metro Denver
Project Angel Heart
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver |
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Are you hosting or promoting an event in the Denver Area? If so then we want to hear about it. Email us at editor@denverathome.com.
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