Every year around this time we try write up our semi-cheeky/semi-truthful “attack of the chocolate covered holiday gift” where we sarcastically write about the endless spread of cheese & crackers, bins of popcorn, or chocolate covered anything. But…it’s 2020. The year where we stayed at home and in place, the year where we discovered the true heroes of the world like health care workers and the cashier at your local grocery store, the year where family time and zoom connections got you through the dark unknowns and created memories you’ll never forget.
But, this doesn’t negate the true sentiment that we attempt to convey in this post every year, which is the importance of negating a gift of food for a gift of charity. And this year we feel especially empowered by the opportunities for giving, and so we leave a couple of ideas of charities and missions that we support, and hope that it can spark an idea to spread a little hope and cheer this holiday season:
- Feeding America
Feeding America, a network of over 200 food banks, has seen a spike in demand as a result of the millions of layoffs that happened in the wake of the pandemic. In response, the nonprofit launched an emergency fund to help stock its food banks and pantries across the country. - PenFed Foundation
The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation, which provides financial assistance to military service members and veterans, has launched an emergency financial relief program in the wake of COVID-19. In just four days, the foundation has received 6,000 applications. The program will offer one month of payment, up to $1500, for rent, a mortgage, an auto loan, or utility bills. Donate here. - Big Brothers Big Sisters
On top of the year-round partnerships that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides – in the virtual world of 2020 the program helped students obtain technology for remote learning, provided vital communication between Bigs and Littles, and continued to provide a safe space for students in need. Donate here help to continue successful Big & Little matches, as well as provide basic needs for children K-12th - PAWS
With record adoption numbers this year, animal shelters have seen slight drop offs in the usual giving season! Your donation to our furry friends doesn’t just help more animals find their fuever homes, it helps to provide supplies for families in need, find more matches, and bring more furry family members home for the holidays. Consider donating to PAWS (Chicago-local) or the ASPCA for national reach. - Help For Children
The statement on Help for Children’s website says it all “As we all practice social distancing during this unprecedented global health crisis, our hearts and minds are with the vulnerable children who are now separated from their schools and the social support systems that help protect them from abuse and neglect. Now more than ever, they and their families need our help during this time of extreme stress and uncertainty. Help us continue fighting child abuse with a donation to Help For Children. Together, despite the challenges that lie ahead as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus, we can make the world a safer place for children. “ Donations can be made here. - Camp One Step
Donating to Camp One Step helps to fund programs that support children (5-19) who’ve been diagnosed with cancer. They’ve now transitioned eight programs from in person to virtual, bringing camp to their campers and families! “Camp is not a place, it’s a community.” Donate here. - Camp Kesem
2020 = 20 years for this awesome charity. Camp Kesem provides support to children whose families are affected by pancreatic cancer. And this year they have a bunch of unique opportunities to interact and donate to honor their 20th Check out all the donation opportunities here.
Thank you in advance from the RCM Alts team, and happy holidays.
