I beleive very strongly in acting locally first.
Our school(s) would rather have each child donate $2 in lieu of a gift to the teachers to go towards an anonymous family in the school that is having a hard time financially. Non perishable foods are also donated as well.
It is amazing how good you can feel when you make a donation of a couple of 5# bags of pancakes, SuperDuper Sized peanut butter and jelly can do. All for less than $20.
I would say either the USO or Team Up for Down Syndrome.
I would split it, personally, between the UN* (you can direct as to which organisation under their umbrella), some medical research organisation and some local organisation that helps find people jobs (for example).
Or if you feel you donation would be insubstantial spread three ways, pick the one which deals with a problem of most concern for you.
I’m very much in favour of donating to organisations that help fix problems, rather than donating toys (etc) which will result in a little joy but do nothing to help fix the long-term problem.
*Cheques or money orders made payable to the United Nations may be sent to: The Treasurer, Room S-2770A, United Nations, New York, NY 10017.
Can I put in a word for www.elvesandmore.org ? They buy Christmas presents (usually bicycles) for poor American kids. If there’s a center nearby, you can also learn how to build a bike (or pump up the tires)
Does the CEO jet off to Hawaaii for golf trips? No, for the first three years, he funded the charity entirely out of his own pocket. 
sooo heifer international with 49.68 isn’t looking good?
Damn. there goes some of my holiday present spending idea.
I see the Shrine Hospitals got a 57 or so, for three stars. In my opinion they deserve extra points for the funny hats too.
I second DMark and others on choosing the local food bank or shelter. No matter where you live, there is more poverty and struggle than you know, right under your nose.
Yeah, I used to give to Heifer annually but this might well be the last year.
The last couple seasons, I was beginning to wonder about Heifer because I was receiving 2 or 3 of their slick magazine-like brochures a year.
And about giving charity locally: I do that year-round. Not just around the holidays.
When it comes to this time of year, I think a bit more globally.
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.
Upon reflection, I realize that my post may have unintentionally sounded snotty. Scratch the “right under your nose” thing. Sorry!!! :smack:
YES. I work for a charity, and I agree with this information. It’s a lot different thean an anonymous check. Help out with a soup kitchen, or whatever.
It’s kind of funny that you say that…I’m in charge of organizing the Toys for Tots drive at our school this year, so I’m already participating in it.
I think it’s best to determine what’s important to you personally, and donate money to organizations that support that.
For example: I’m a big reader and I collect (well, accumulate) books, so my charitable donations are to RIF and local libraries.
I disagree with this statement.
Charities are generally better able to put the money to good use than individual people. They can get better deals, they can use the money at appropriate times, they can use it for necessary stuff you can’t pay for (say, renting trucks, or, yes…paying a professionnal whose training is required).
What has a lot of meaning to you at this moment in your life.
When my grandfather died of lung cancer I gave to the American Lung Association for a while
My current charity is my local Animal Rescue League as animals have a very dear spot in my heart.
Your local Women’s Shelter.
They need all the help they can get, and most people forget about them until Christmas.
They’ll appreciate any help they can get, and the money goes straight where it’s needed.
I understand what you are saying, Clairobscur.
But so far this year I have received 3 catalogs from Heifer International. They are glossy, color catalogs. The layout is wonderful and the pictures beautiful. It really makes you want to give! But I did not need to receive 3 of them. It’s not even December yet–I will probably receive yet another catalog.
I sent my contribution two weeks ago.
I am sure they get better deals, and I appreciate the work Heifer does.
But I disapprove of all this stuff coming in the mail. It still seems wasteful to me.
And it makes me wonder just how much waste is going on with Heifer.
I always give to local charities, and will continue to do so. But next year I am going to pick a different, perhaps worthier seasonal charity. Maybe I will give to the Charity Navigator! 
Here’s another vote for your local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. They don’t fit your nondenominational request, I know, but the chapters don’t necessarily focus on the God aspect of things: They’re just out there building houses, good ones, for people in need. Even in the cold of winter. (Full disclosure: Yes, my husband works for them but we will in no way benefit from your gift to your local chapter. Also, on the religion front, I’m Pagan, so it’s not like I’m pushing a Christian agenda either.)
If that doesn’t meet your fancy, I would recommend a local soup kitchen or shelter for the homeless or abused. On a more self-serving note, it’s been a hard few years for arts organizations, so you could always throw your money at the local arts council or a favorite museum.
IMHO, of course.
Child’s Play Charity. You buy gifts off of Amazon which are sent to children’s hospitals around the country. As someone who has spent WAY too much time in a children’s hospital, I can tell you how much a game or toy or book will mean to a sick child. You can pick the items you want to send and where you want to send them too so you know exactly where your money is going.
monica , this is such a great way to celebrate Christmas!
My extended family always exchanged gifts. We tried the total exchange bit, the drawing names bit and even the gag gift only bit. The happiest thing is what we finally settled on about 6 years ago. After dinner on Christmas Day we all put our name in a hat and someone, by some foolish, fun way, gets picked to draw the name. The person whose name is drawn gets to announce their charity pick and tell about it and why they chose it. Then everyone gets out their checkbook and writes a check to that charity. We have loved it.
I have yet to win on the name draw but have always thought I would pick Mother’s Against Drunk Driving because I see the pain left in the wake of DUI way too much in my work and because I am a mom.
Good luck in choosing your charity!