There are 25 days until Christmas and that means there are 25 days and ways to help Philadelphians in need. And since the holidays are a time of giving, we’re encouraging you to give your time, open your heart – or maybe your wallet – this month for some truly worthy causes.
Here’s 25 local organizations that you can help:
1) AIDS Fund Philadelphia supports HIV/AIDS education, prevention and services in and around Philly by raising money and increasing public awareness about the impact of disease in our communities.
2) Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that encourages self-sufficiency of the homeless in Philly through running as a way to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.
3) Lupus Foundation of America is a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support, services and hope to all people affected. This Thursday, Dec. 3, support the cause by attending a comedy show, Laughs for Lupus, at Helium Comedy Club. Tickets are $15
4) The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia takes care of Philly's kids 24/7, 365. Why not volunteer? Or at least make a donation to the hospital this holiday season.
5) Covenant House Pennsylvania treats our city's homeless, runaways and at-risk youth with love and respect giving them a place to eat, wash and provide assistance with housing and medical care.
6) Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth is a small but effective group that has been watching out for the welfare of Philly's children for nearly 30 years
7) PSPCA rescues, rehabilitates and finds homes for thousands of neglected, abused and abandoned animals in Pennsylvania.
8) Philadebundance is our area's largest hunger relief organization. By acquiring food and distributing it, they're trying to end hunger and malnutrition.
9) The Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance or MANNA prepares and delivers meals along with counsel to people at nutritional risk due to life threatening illness.
10) Toys For Tots collects new toys each year and distributes them to needy children in the community.
11) United Way of Southestern Pennsylvania helps to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities.
12) One Simple Wish grants wishes to deserving children and families.
13) The Philadelphia Veterans serve Philadelphia and the Tri-State area and is a non-profit organization that assists our nation's veterans.
14) The Salvation Army has established "Soup's On" to provide job training and job placement in the culinary arts industry for the less fortunate.
15) Project Hope is making advancing in healthcare around the world through the implementation of health education programs and providing humanitarians assistance in areas of need.
16) Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to those who can't leave their homes.
17) Laurel House is a non-profit agency offering help, refuge and counseling for individuals or families that are victims of domestic violence.
18) Food Bank of South Jersey has been fighting hunger and malnutrition for almost 25 years.
19) Contact Greater Philadelphia is a crisis hotline that provides lonely, depressed, anxious and needy people with a caring ear and assistance.
20) Variety - The Children's Charity was developed in 1935 and serves children with physical, social, medical, educational and recreational needs.
21) Make a Wish Foundation of Philadelphia helps make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.
22) PAWS, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit dedicated to Philly's homeless and adandoned animals. They're a no-kill shelter and are working to make Philly a city in which every healthy and treatable pet is given a home.
23) Police Athletic Leagues (most neighborhoods have their own) are volunteer organizations that serve a particular community's youth with recreational, educational and cultural programs.
24) Greater Philadelphia Cares holds (among other things) an annual Winter Coat Drive, that is well, just what it sounds like -- a way to provide coats to those in need.
25) Carson Valley Children's Aid, a child welfare agency, offers care, services and programs that respond to the changing needs of children.
So wake up earlier one weekend and donate your time or skip buying polyanna this year and put your money to good use -- 'tis the season.
