2020 Charitable GIVING
Local-area nonprofits lend helping hand
This has been a challenging year for many, and now more than ever, it could positively impact those in need to offer any type of help you can, whether it’s your volunteering time, clothing and household items, food, monetary support, or more.
It’s a way to show you care and benefits others. The pandemic also may have changed the way organizations like these are getting help from the community, so any assistance can help them deliver the services and programs that serve the local area.
And youth represent the future of Texas and the nation as a whole.
“Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most. At our clubs, youth are provided meals, strong role models, homework assistance, organized athletics, character development, and access to the arts,” said Mari Bosker, director of communications for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. “Each year, more than 26,000 youth ages 6 to 17 walk through our doors for our after-school and summer programs. Membership costs $10 per school year and $30 for the entire summer.”
Bosker said that cash gifts are always accepted, as they allow them to directly apply funds where they are needed most. Those interested can visit www.bgcgh.org/donate.
This time of year for over 15 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston has implemented the Santa Project, which matches Boys & Girls Club members in need with sponsors. This year’s goal is to sponsor over 1,000 members. Email santaproject@bgcgh.org for additional sponsor details.
The area’s animal rescue efforts include the Houston SPCA, among others, which has served the community for nearly 100 years.
“As (a) leading animal rescue and protection organization with the ability to care for a vast array of animal species, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relies solely on donations,” said Julie Kuenstle, vice president of communications and marketing at the Houston SPCA.
For charitable giving options, Kuenstle said monthly gifts make an impact to their life-saving work, including emergency response like rescue transports, fueling a fleet of vehicles for 10 animal-cruelty investigators, or keeping the region’s only 24-hour injured animal ambulance in our community to answer the more than 3,000 calls for help each year. They also accept donations of pet food, gently used blankets, sheets, and pet crates.
Another form of direct community support — adoptions — are by appointment, and all adoptable pets can be found on the webpage at www.HoustonSPCA.org.
Combined Arms brings together veteran-focused nonprofits committed to serving those who served, as U.S. veterans can face a variety of challenges after their service to this country. These 90plus organizations provide 500-plus resources that empower veterans to lead the successful civilian lives they want, making the community stronger.
“Combined Arms helps veterans transition out of the military. We work with the vet, spouse, and family unit as a whole. This is more holistic in their transition.
To get started, veterans should go to the website www.combinedarms. us and create a profile,” said Mia Garcia, Texas vets network director at Combined Arms. Creating a profile gives them the data they need to match a veteran with the best customized tools and resources.
Combined Arms serves active duty, reservists, National Guard, veterans from all service eras, and their family members.
The donation page is at www. combinedarms.us/donatenow for those interested in offering charitable support.