11 Awesome Philadelphia Charities to Donate to This #GivingTuesday

Consider some post-shopping philanthropy through these local charities.

givingtuesday

Images via Twitter

Trending today on Twitter is #GivingTuesday — a globally recognized holiday founded in the spirit of giving (and following the shameless getting of Black Friday, Small-Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday). To celebrate and help inspire you to give back, we’ve rounded up our top picks of locally based and Philly-focused charities and organizations – both well-loved and little-known – that you, your family, or your company should consider making a donation to this season.

Whether it’s animal rescues, music education, or cleaning up the environment, here are just a few of the many, many local options to help you to give back now. Have a favorite charity or organization? Leave it in the comments to spread the love.

Habitat for Humanity
Why: This charity, which has several regional chapters, is the largest non-profit homebuilder in the world. Their mission is to build and repair homes for families in need; the local chapters help promote awareness of Philadelphia’s need for more safe, affordable housing options. For every donation made to Habitat this week, the amount will get matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000. (Their goal is $40,000 to welcome the Wilson, Banks, Obafemi and Allen Families home this winter.)
Where to Donate: habitatphiladelphia.org/donate

Camp Kesem at University of Pennsylvania
Why: This college chapter-based charity organizes a yearly summer camp to support local kids whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. Children work with responsible college-age students to share their family experiences and take part in creative activities and projects. Your donation will allow these kids to continue being, well, kids during and beyond their parent’s illness.
Where to Donate: campkesem.org/upenn/donate

Mighty Writers
Why: Since 2009, Might Writers has recruited over 300 of the city’s best writers, teachers, journalists and volunteers to mentor over 2,000 kids annually in North, South, and West Philly. The organization offers free after-school and weekend writing classes, SAT Prep courses and scholarship opportunities to kids and young adults.
Where to Donate: mightywriters.org/donate

Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Why: Founded in 1827, PHS is one of the oldest non-profits based in Philadelphia. It’s the force behind the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, but it also offers workshops, activities and publications for local gardeners and environmentalists. Every donation to PHS will be matched by the Bartlett Tree Experts, and goes towards funding eco-friendly projects like restoring major public landmarks and providing healthy produce gardens for families in neighborhoods across the city.
Where to Donate: pennhort.net/give

City Kitties
Why: Since 2005, the volunteers at this non-profit, no-kill cat rescue in West Philadelphia have provided provided high-quality veterinary care and helped find loving foster homes for ill, disabled and stray cats in the area. The organization never euthanizes animals for any reason, so you can rest easy knowing these felines are in good hands.
Where to Donate: citykitties.org/donate

Philly Film Society
Why: PFS works to ensure that the best classic and independent films from around the world are accessible to the Philadelphia community. They are the ones responsible for showcasing old and new cinema talents at Philly’s annual Film Festival, and they provide exclusive screenings at the historic Roxy Theater. Your donation will help fund PHS events and local filmmaking endeavors.
Where to Donate: filmadelphia.org

Girls Rock Philly
Why: Recognizing the need for music education programs, this non-profit provides mentorship through music for girls and young women. They host a week-long summer camp, weekly programs, group lessons and free rehearsal rooms for youth. No instrument? No problem – the program has a gear loan program so girls can practice at home.
Where to Donate: girlsrockphilly.org/get-involved/donate

MANNA
Why: Over 30 locals run this Ranstead Street commercial kitchen which prepares and delivers three meals a day, seven days a week, to critical-care patients in southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern Jersey.  This year, they celebrate 25 years of  providing free, nutritious meals to our neighbors struggling with serious illnesses.
Where to Donate: https://manna1.secure.force.com/donate

Liberty Thrift & Home Furnishing
Why: Based in Schwenksville, this thrift store is an offshoot of Liberty Ministries, which provides donations and ministry to local prisons and correctional facilities. Around this time of year, they visit the Montgomery County Correctional Facility to give out Christmas stockings filled with food, books, and toiletries to inmates of all genders.
Where to Donate: libertythriftstores.com/donate

Maternity Care Coalition
Why: MCC works to improve the quality of maternal and child healthcare for local mothers and families. MCC directly services the Philly community with professional education programs, medical research, political advocacy, and HIV/AIDS prevention. You can donate through their website and participate in their annual Family Gift Connection, where you will be matched with a client family and be able to get what’s on their “wish list” this holiday.
Where to Donate: momobile.org/SupportMCC.html

Puentes de Salud
Why: Over the last two decades, South Philly has had a rapid increase in its Latino immigrant population. Puentes de Salud works with local community members, public schools, universities, and service-based organizations to provide adult and pediatric health care to Philly’s Latino immigrant community, improving the overall economic condition and wellness of its members.
Where to Donate: puentesdesalud.org/donate-now