# Help me pick a charity, please.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-charity-please/274631>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [November 14, 2004, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-charity-please/274631 "2004-11-14T00:36:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\
**Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-charity-please/274631/41 "2004-11-18T16:15:07Z")

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Our library has a tree every year where children put their names and a book request on a paper ornament. We pay the library and the library goes and buys the book and gives it to the child.

The malls always have a similar thing, with ornaments on a tree requesting certain toys or clothing. We buy them and bring them to the store for the child.

Our veterinarian’s office takes in overflow animals from a local no-kill shelter. We support both the vet’s office and the shelter with blankets, food, cat litter, etc.

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**Author:** ![Abbie\_Carmichael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@Abbie\_Carmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abbie_Carmichael)\
**Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-charity-please/274631/42 "2004-11-23T19:44:27Z")

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> [@don't ask](#):
>
> I have been doing this for years and find it particularly satisfying because I like picturing the end of the story.
> 
> I contribute a kid’s gift to one of the local charities that distribute presents to less well off families. I always pick a name card for a very young child and as well as the gift I wrap up $200.
> 
> It’s nice on Christmas morning to think that some mother somewhere is helping her 2 year old open a package and, lo and behold, no more charity needed today she has money in her pocket.

That is really, really cool. What a great idea!

I am SO going to do this next year.

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