As we discussed ideas for this year’s Elements Holiday Gift Guides, there was one idea that we as a team felt strongly about, which is the gift of giving of yourself to others less fortunate, whether it is your time, gifts or donations, to a charitable cause during the holidays. If you or your company plan to contribute to a charitable organization this holiday season, here is a helpful roundup of local and national organizations, including details how you can help.
Safe Futures, New London, CT :: {formerly Women’s Center of Southern CT}
A wonderful non-profit organization serving families and saving lives since 1976. Safe Futures saves lives, restores hope and changes the future for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in southeastern Connecticut.
Ways to Help ::
Gift Cards – Women who have recently left their abuser are often without financial resources for basic needs. Gift cards allow clients to regain their dignity and self esteem by providing the opportunity to choose what they need, when they need it— during the holidays and throughout the year. **This year, the donation of gift cards is especially encouraged. Building the spirit of empowerment helps these families build new, safer lives.
Holiday Wish List – Donate new, unwrapped gifts from Safe Futures’ Holiday Wish List to be distributed to women and children fleeing violence, experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence or dealing with day-to-day survival.
No Time to Shop? – Visit Safe Futures’ Emergency Shelter Amazon Wish List for the convenience of online shopping.
Contact ::
Susan Noyes, Holiday Giving Coordinator
(860) 447-0366 X207 | (cell) (860) 908-5770
SNoyes@SafeFuturesCT.org
Community Dining Room, Branford, CT ::
The Community Dining Room is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to serving the community by feeding the hungry, and providing support and companionship to shoreline residents through basic human services such as an evening family dinner and daily hot lunch and home-delivery to Branford and North Branford residents.
Ways to Help ::
Give Food – most of CDR’s nonperishable food comes from private donations.
Conduct a Food Drive in your school, church, neighborhood or organization.
Invite a Representative from the CDR to speak to your organization about CDR’s efforts to provide hot meals and companionship to shoreline neighbors.
Give Time – volunteers are needed as cooks, helpers, fund raisers, home delivery drivers, and for many other opportunities. View a full list of current volunteer opportunities here.
Contact ::
Patricia Kral, Executive Director
(203) 488-9750
pkral@communitydiningroom.org
AnySoldier® was born when parents of Sergeant Brian Horn learned that their son and his airborne brigade were sleeping on the ground with little food or supplies during a mission in 2003 in Northern Iraq. The Horn family sent lots of supplies and food to help Brian, who handed out care packages to fellow soldiers who weren’t receiving the same support from home. Since then, AnySoldier has become one of the leading efforts in making sure the men and women who have been deployed to war are cared for, via letters and packages from “home.”
Ways to Help ::
Write. There is not one word on AnySolider.com that request or requires you to send stuff. Letters are THE MOST requested item from soldiers. You can request an address through AnySoldier’s Where to Send page.
Send supplies. Often men and women overseas do not have access to basic everyday necessities like toiletries and socks. AnySolider’s partner soldiers list items that their fellow soldiers are in need of. Their website also has a list of What to Send, including items from sponsors that offer discounts for AnySoldier supporters.
Shop for AnySoldier. As you’re shopping online this holiday season, a percentage of each purchase can be donated to AnySolider just by signing up at Buy4. Just by shopping at online retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Expedia and Target, you can help support AnySoldier. A percentage of every purchase is donated to AnySoldier, and it doesn’t cost you a penny more.
Please consider supporting one of these organizations this holiday season – and let us know how you give back in the comments below!
