A Merry Giving Christmas

Looking to give this Christmas? We all love exchanging gifts- making wish lists, wrapping presents, picking boxes out from under the tree- but are you looking to give a bit more this year to some amazing and deserving groups, people, and pets? Here are some of my favorite charities and organizations to give to. Make a life better by considering donating your time or money to these causes:

• Children's Miracle Network- The official platform of the Miss America Organization, Children's Miracle Network hospitals make a difference in kids' lives every day. 62 children enter a CMN hospital every minute and these hospitals provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the US and Canada. While Indiana only has one in the state (Riley Children's Hospital), the network expands throughout the country and Canada and works to help children with treatments and comfort. Click the link to donate to children undergoing surgeries, babies in the NICU, kids with diabetes, children with cancer, and those visiting the ER today. 
• Alzheimer's Association- My great-grandmother had Alzheimer's and I saw first-hand how it impacts a family. The Alzheimer's Association is trying to eliminate the disease through research and help those affected. They work to promote brain health to reduce the risks of dementia. Click the link to donate. 
• Special Olympics- Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. According to their site, "when you donate, your gift will be DOUBLED — $5 becomes $10, $50 becomes $100, and $500 becomes $1,000. That means your gift will go TWICE as far to help transform an athlete’s life." Consider donating to the organization that helps 5 million athletes in 172 countries feel valued as the stars that they are. Click the link to donate to these athletes. 
• The Humane Society- Our dogs, Boomer, and Derby, are our everything. Knowing that there are animals out there who don't have a comfy bed and the care they need breaks my heart. Consider helping The Humane Society provide for animals in need and help stop animal cruelty by donating- funds go toward animals in poverty, wildlife, and science without suffering. Simply click the link.
• Your local schools and athletic programs- As a teacher and as a coach, I know how much we need help. My cheerleading teams run fundraisers all year so that we can get new things like rain jackets, and I know that I am one of millions of teachers who buys things for my classroom myself, like Kleenex and pencils. Consider giving to your area schools!