‘Tis the season of giving—but of giving what? A sweater that will never be worn? A candle that stinks? Some cheap body lotion that will be regifted six times? Instead, why not give a gift that really makes a difference in someone’s life? Spend that money on a donation in the name of your special someone to an organization that is working to change the world for the better. That’s a gift you can both be proud of.True PatriotsThese are for the fighters—the ones who believe in justice, liberty and equality; the ones who refuse to be silent when civil rights are threatened. Planned Parenthood—Donate in the name of anyone who cares about women’s health. (Or if you really want to make your giftee’s day, donate in the name of Mike Pence.)American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)—Donate so they can fight Trump’s future attacks on civil rights.National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)—Donate to support the Black Lives Matter movement.Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF)—Donate to support civil liberties for Latinos.New Mexico Public Interest Research Group (NMPIRG)—Donate to fight the influence of special interest lobbyists (like big banks and chemical manufacturers) in our state government.World CitizensContrary to much of the divisive rhetoric that’s apparently popular today, we’re all in this together. So if you know someone who’s more focussed on the big picture and wants to do their part to make the whole world a better place, check our these excellent groups.Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque—Donate to support refugees and immigrants resettling in New Mexico. Karam Foundation—Donate to support Syrian refugee families. Books Not Bombs—Donate to push universities to offer scholarships to Syrian students.Heifer International—Donate to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty.Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)—Donate to protect the whole goddamn planet.Amnesty International—Donate to expose and prevent human rights abuses.Rainforest Foundation—Donate to help Indigenous communities protect their rainforests.Doctors Without Borders—Donate to support emergency medical aid for people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care.Community LeadersOften, the first step toward saving the world is stepping outside and taking care of your neighbors and the people in your own community. To lend a helping hand to your fellow Burqueñas y Burqueños, try supporting these local organizations.Albuquerque Reads—Donate to promote literacy and teach kindergarteners to become lifelong learners.St. Martin’s Hospitality Center—Donate to assist the homeless and near-homeless via mental health services, shelter, work training and housing.Roadrunner Food Bank—Donate to provide healthy, nutritious food for local hungry families. And for the month of December, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $80K)!KUNM—Donate to support intelligent radio and media.Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico—Donate to support and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.Casa Q—Donate to provide safe living options and services for LGBTQ youth and allies who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.New Mexico AIDS Services—Donate to support advocacy, activism, drug treatment, syringe exchange, vaccines, screenings and counseling.Barrett House—Donate to support emergency shelter for local homeless women and children.Animal LoversIf you know someone who loves animals more than most humans, then your support of local adoption and rescue groups in their name will go a long way toward making you one of the better humans in their view. Hawks Aloft—Donate to “adopt” a rescued raptor by paying for its care.Animal Humane—Donate to support New Mexico’s leading private animal welfare shelter for dogs and cats via adoptions, education and full-service veterinary care.Watermelon Mountain Ranch—Donate money or items like food, toys or beds to help New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter.Babes and Bullies—Donate to advocate for bully breed dogs through community outreach, education and exemplary guardianship.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Stick It To The Man By Donating To Charities Instead Of Buying Material Goods
4 min read
