Whether it be the twinkling lights throughout town or the festive spirit blossoming, the holidays bring out the charitable side of people. This holiday season there are charities collecting donations to help those in need.
Doctors Without Borders, USA
Doctors Without Borders (DWB) is a group of doctors that since 1971 has travelled the world to places that are in need of emergency medical aid and has “treated tens of millions of people and worked in more than 80 countries” (Doctors Without Borders). The places that DWB give aid to have either been affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. DWB was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 and since then many doctors have joined the cause. To support DWB and their cause this holiday season, visit their website and donate either a one-time amount or subscribe to a monthly donation.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a large organization that has been organizing volunteers and donors for disaster relief for crises such as 911 and Hurricane Irma. According to the Red Cross, they respond to a crisis every eight minutes. This holiday season grab a friend and volunteer at either a local blood drive or food drive. “The Red Cross has been such a big help to millions of people around the world and their work shouldn’t go unnoticed. When there are food drives, my family and I make sure to donate non-perishables,” senior Elica Semnani said.
The Nature Conservancy
Environmental problems such as global warming and the increase in endangered species has been a looming problem for years. The Nature Conservancy fights to protect ecologically important land and waters for both nature and humans with over one million volunteers and 100 million acres of land conserved. Join their cause by taking a pledge to connect with nature, donate, volunteer at a local habitat, or simply follow their everyday green tips.
UNICEF USA
UNICEF has become increasingly popular as children are encouraged to trick or treat with UNICEF by asking for a few cents along with candy. UNICEF protects the rights of children across 190 countries. UNICEF has established programs to promote child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, emergency relief, gender equality, innovation for children, transportation of supplies and research. To participate in their many causes, become a donor, host a fundraiser, or start a UNICEF club. “I used to carry around the UNICEF trick or treat boxes during Halloween because they gave them out during school. It felt good knowing that I collected money for UNICEF and I still plan on donating,” senior Maddie Lee said.
ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital works to treat and cure childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. According to St. Jude, their research has helped increase the rate of childhood cancer survival rates from 20 percent in 1962 to 80 percent today. To help fund further research, make a donation, become a monthly donor or host a fundraising event. “When I go to the grocery store or shopping, some stores ask if I would like to donate to St. Jude’s. I always try to donate when I can because the research St. Jude’s does is really important,” senior Taylor Soroka said.
During the holiday season, there are many ways to give back to those less fortunate. Find a cause that interests you and find a way to give back. Any donation or act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Alyssa Bursie
Commons Editor
