PDF University City is filled with many wonderful organizations which provide valuable services to the community.
How You Can Help:
As someone who has spent many hours working as a volunteer over the years, and as a former employee of several non-profit organizations, I know a lot about what charities need.
There are three basic ways that you can help.
Donate Money:
Honestly, donating money will have the biggest impact on a charity. Though many items that they need to operate can get donated, there are just some things that take cash. Even the most efficient charity will have to pay some staff, pay electric bills, rent…the list goes on and on.
With the beset charities, the vast majority of each dollar donated goes towards providing direct services to people in need or to support the mission of the organization.
Donate Goods or Services:
If you own a business, or work for a business, which can provide needed services to a charity, it’s almost as good as donating cash.
Some things that the online community could offer are:
- Create a website for a charity which will help them raise money
- Provide graphic design work for their website or publications
- Give them Geek Squad-like services to keep them computing
- Professional photography for their events or thrift shops
- Signage for their events
- PR or advertising
- Warehouse space for them to store items that don’t fit in their office
- Donate office supplies
Many charities also have thrift stores which sell used items in order to raise funds to run their programs. Our University City thrift stores are all located along Olive Blvd:
Don’t forget that every charity has special needs that you might be able to fill. Contact your favorite organization to see what they need for their programs.
Volunteer:
Every non-profit organization needs volunteers. In addition to working in programs that provide direct services to the community, there are lots of things you could do to help:
- Handyman services
- Clerical office work
- Work as their receptionist
- Pick up donations and drive them to the thrift store or office
- Optimize their computers
- Have a cocktail party fundraiser to collect items they need
Last Minute Tax Deduction Donations:
If you have been meaning to make a donation to a worthy cause, you should do it now. In order to claim the donation as a tax deduction on your 2009 taxes, that donation needs to happen today.
I just made a donation to sponsor a child for the NCJW Back To School Store which will be held in July 2010, and is organized by one of your UCity charities.
Short on cash?
Grab those old clothes you never wear and drive them over to one of our University City thrift shops…or one near your home.
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