This time of year we are drawn toward participating in charitable giving. Helping our community in areas where we’ve been blessed is one of the best ways to provide for those around us, but sometimes it’s difficult to find reliable sources, create time in busy schedules, and donate outside of our budgets. However, limits to time and budget should not hinder from charitable donations. If you’re considering donations or volunteer opportunities and don’t know where to look, there are numerous national organizations with flexible donations, gifts, and have multiple locations with volunteer availability. Although Cornerstone has decided to partner with a local shelter called Home of Hope to gift one family the Christmas they’ve dreamed of, you can easily partner with organizations like the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, United Way, and Project Angel Tree. These particular groups make it easy to donate toys, money, food, and your time.

Salvation Army:

As a Christian organization, the Salvation Army seeks to spread the love of God through action and taking care of people around the world. Currently, they are providing for those who lost everything in the wildfires of California. You can donate money, clothing, and even airline miles to support all those affected.

Toys for Tots:

The primary goal for this organization is to bring joy to less fortunate children around our nation. When you bring a new, unwrapped toy to a local campaign, you are sending a toy to a child who wouldn’t receive a gift otherwise. If there isn’t a drop-off campaign near you, donating as little as $10 is appreciated.

United Way:

Providing hope for children, families, and veterans around the United States, this organization gives back in education, health, homelessness, and income. You can donate a minimum of $20 to support any of the four previous categories. The United Way of Greater Atlanta encompasses 13 counties, including Gwinnett, but has locations nationwide. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can become a leader for today’s youth.

Project Angel Tree:

Under the Salvation Army, Angel Tree provides gifts to children and special needs adults in our community and around the United States. To participate, find locations with an Angel Tree and select a name from the tree. Once the gift is selected, return it where the name was selected. From there, the Salvation Army distributes the gifts and the families pick up them before Christmas.

To learn about our partnership with Home of Hope and how you can help, click here.