I just wanted to plug some local charities that I support but there are so many to choose from. With the economic crisis, those of us who are blessed need to share more than ever now.
Just Because - A program where you can sponsor a family by providing a box of groceries and Christmas gifts for the child. Gifts are dropped off on Friday, December 19th and the families pick them up on Saturday December 19th. Randy and I are sponsoring a family of five children being raised by a grandmother. We called her to confirm the ages of the kids and she said we were making her Christmas. It is amazing how little it takes to make a difference in people's lives. http://www.austindiocesemedicalmission.org/justbecause.html
Saint Vincent De Paul Society - provides food, help with electricity and guidance on how to get people back on their feet. Their food pantries are open on Mondays? and Fridays. http://currentnews.net/StVincent/
Austin Diocese Medical Mission - A team of doctors, dentists, nurses, aides and translators bring medicine and treatment to the poor in Latin America a couple of times a year. I'm working on the new website now, but you can visit the old one at www.austindiocesemedicalmission.org.
Catholic Relief Services - provide assistance in the forms of emergency relief, education, medical, training and micro loans all around the world. www.crs.org
The Acton Institute also has an excellent article on giving as well as a Samaritan Guide to giving so you can pick organizations that suit your priorities. http://blog.acton.org/archives/2592-Tis-the-Season-for-Giving.html