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Give a charitable gift this holiday season

Want to make a difference? Consider giving a donation for the holidays. The following list is by no means complete but a good starting point for those wishing to give a progressive present this holiday season:

Local Organizations:

Our mission at Jardin de los Niños (http://www.jardinlc.org/) is to create new possibilities for homeless and near homeless children and their families through loving childcare, education, and the use of community resources.

La Casa (http://www.lacasainc.org/) is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive services, including shelter, in order to diminish domestic violence and abuse in all forms.

Casa de Peregrinos (House of Pilgrims) (http://www.mvcommunityofhope.org/casadeperegrinos.html)

is a non-profit emergency food program designed to provide basic, nutritional food boxes and a supportive atmosphere to individuals and families unable to purchase nutritional groceries due to an emergency or unforeseen crisis.

National/International Organizations:

Reporters Without Borders (http://www.rsf.org/). In some countries a journalist can be thrown in prison for years for a single offending word or photo. Jailing or killing a journalist removes a vital witness to events and threatens the right of us all to be informed. Reporters Without Borders has fought for press freedom on a daily basis since it was founded in 1985.

The following have a 4-star charity navigator rating: www.charitynavigator.org. 4 stars equals the highest organizational efficiency for use of donated dollars.

The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights (http://www.advrights.org/) is to implement international human rights standards in order to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, we build broad constituencies in the United States and select global communities.

ActionAid International USA (AAI USA) (http://www.actionaidusa.org/) works on the ground and in the halls of power to end poverty. We work in 49 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, with over 25 million poor people. Our work seeks to create and sustain better futures by providing relief from disasters and conflicts, empowering women, fighting hunger, holding governments accountable, fighting HIV & AIDS, and making education accessible. ActionAid’s mission is to work with poor and marginalized people to eradicate poverty by overcoming the injustice and inequality that cause it.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)’s (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/) work is based on the humanitarian principles of medical ethics and impartiality. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

Oxfam America (http://www.oxfamamerica.org/ ) is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 100 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice. We are an affiliate of Oxfam International. Oxfam America works on the scene, helping people gain the hope, skills, and direction to create a new future. We are also active in the global arena, addressing social injustice through our advocacy, public education, and emergency assistance programs.

Refugees International (http://www.refugeesinternational.org/) advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
Update: From the Las Cruces Sun-News, here is a roundup what other local charities need and how to contact them:

El Caldito Soup Kitchen

• Make checks payable to El Caldito Soup Kitchen; mail to P.O. Box 2833, Las Cruces, NM, 88004.

• Drop off toys for children up to age 13 at the kitchen, 999 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces.

• Volunteer to work at the kitchen.

• More info: Gabe Chavez, board member for the soup kitchen, (575) 644-8737; www.elcaldito.com

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United Way of Southwest New Mexico

• Make checks payable to the organization and mail to P.O. Box 1347, Las Cruces, NM, 88004.

• Contact the organization to find out about volunteer opportunities.

• More info: (575) 524-7561; www.communityconnectswnm.com.

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The Gospel Rescue Mission

• Donate blankets, food, diapers, toiletries and other items to the mission, 1050 W. Amador Ave.

• Donate money via the organization’s Web site: http://lcgrm.qwestoffice.net

• More info: (575) 523-7727

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The Salvation Army

• Donate to the organization’s red kettles, stationed at storefronts around Las Cruces.

• Visit the agency’s thrift shop, 220 E. Idaho Ave., Las Cruces.

• More info: (575) 524-1590; www.salvationarmy.org

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Mesilla Valley Community of Hope

• Volunteer to serve food at a Dec. 21 vigil commemorating homeless who have died in Las Cruces this year. Contact the organization to sign up.

• Donate Christmas gifts to go to the homeless. Needed items include can openers, lighters, watches, socks, hiking gear, toiletries.

• Make checks payable to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope; mail to 999 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces, NM, 88005.

• More info: (575) 523-2219; www.mvcommunityofhope.org

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Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico

• Make checks payable to the organization; mail to 3880 Foothills Road, Ste. A, Las Cruces, NM, 88001

• More info: (575) 523-4390; www.caasnm.org

Also, the Animal Services Center needs blankets, towels, dog beds and dog toys so the animals don’t have to lie on the cold cement floors. You can drop off your contributions at the shelter on Highway 70, or there is a donation box at the Children, Youth and Families Dept., 760 Motel Blvd.

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