My company is celebrating it’s 150th year (I keep thinking of Waiting for Guffman’s Sesquicentennial) and in it’s honor, they’re allowing every employee to give $100 to the charity of their choice (as long as it doesn’t conflict with the company’s policies or diversity standards).
So I’m looking for what the most deserving charity to give my $100 to. So far I’m leaning towards Amnesty International . Any other suggestions?
How about the Friedo’s Rent Fund?
On a more serious note, my personal favorite charity is the New York Public Library, which probably wouldn’t interest you since you’re in Minnesota.
Perhaps a gift to your local library. (I’m a big supporter of libraries).
How about my ever expanding family?
Our oldest four are grown and out on their own. Our youngest two still at home are 10 & 11. We just rec’d a phone call yesterday from a social worker, and it turns out we’re on the short list for a sibling group of 4 children available for adoption - soon!
We need another bathroom with shower - your $100 will buy the tile, we’ll install it ourselves 
Anyone else who might be feeling the need to donate could contribute as well!
six kids from 5 to 11 years old … I must be out of my mind!
Here’s one if you want to help the wildlife/conservation effort (though again, the charity isn’t in your area). I had an internship this winter at Hawk Creek Wildlife Center. The Center rehabilitates wildlife and uses the non-releasable animals for educational programs. They are a small organization that could really use the money, and they are entirely run by volunteers so donations don’t go toward a high-paid executive. They are currently working on becoming open to the public so everyone can get a chance to meet their amazing collection of animals.
I’ve always liked Intermediate Technology. They supply very low tech equipment to developing nations. The kind of stuff that can easily be repaired by the local blacksmith or similar.
I vote you give it to a local charity (if possible.) Friedo’s suggestion of a library is good. If not, I’m all for Amnesty International, I’m a member.
Humane Society. They need every dime they can get their hands–or paws–on (as do most charities, but this one is closest to my heart).
I also volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, so I should plug that one, too!
I would call up a local hospice, or retirement home, and ask if they need a vcr or a dvd player…it might sound frivolous, but for shut-ins, this might be their only source of entertainment. Go to your local Best Buy, or wherever, buy it and take it there yourself with a couple a coupons from Hollywood Video or Blockbuster.
Also, by doing it this way, you don’t have to worry if $93 of your donation is going for “administration” purposes.
(Also, not to look a gift horse and all, but if it is their 150th anniversary, why not $150?)
That’s a good point, kinda funny now that you mention it…I think it does make a good slogan. The slogan as is is “Thanks A Million” assuming that all of the employees do this, it should be a little over a million dollars given away.
Two thing I forgot to mention. The charity has to be a (US) federally recognized non-profit. We also don’t get the money directly, the company will pay out the money itself.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, they’re great!
Might I suggest your local historical society or museum? The one in which I work always has need of donations to buy basic supplies, and for upkeep. And, just think, your name will be preserved in their records for future generations-- it’s an immortality of sorts!
I’m a Quaker, so I’m a big fan of the American Friends Service Committee: big on peace and justice issues. Here’s a link.
Your local Boy Scout troop.
I’m rather fond of The Heifer Project. They give livestock to families in developing countries. It can literally turn these families’ lives around. The families also commit to sharing the wealth with their communities as much as possible (such as when new generations of livestock are born). Your gift thus keeps giving and giving.
I nominate Doctors Without Borders. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the charities mentioned so far.
If you’re thinking local, the National Eagle Center in Wabasha just had their funding cut big time.
I second the donation to your local Humane Society. I volunteered for a while at a German Shepherd Rescue and would sometimes help adopt Shepherds who came by way of the Humane Society. And to what better group to give then to one who can’t help themselves.
I always support the Shrine Hospitals. They provide free medical care across the US (and in some other countries). In the US the coverage is extensive. There is never a test of family need, nor of religion nor of relationship to a Mason.
Helping sick children is a Good Thing.
Battered women’s shelters help the women and their children. The one in my neighborhood teaches the women how to budget money, interview for jobs, and have faith in themselves.