During this day and age, the media controls every aspect of how we get information. We turn to Facebook and Twitter to get our news from a wide array of articles and testimonies covering shootings, hate crimes and the Kardashians. When we actually have time to turn on our TVs, we hear the same topics being brought up. We are giving attention to people who don't deserve it or to hate crimes that carry no positive value. We know the names of school shooters, but can’t recall who won the Noble Peace Prize last year. People are quick to donate to corrupt politicians, but have to think twice when it comes to donating to a positive cause where their money will 100 percent help someone or something. When a sad commercial comes on about the ASPCA or PETA, we change the channel. But we can’t take our eyes off the screen when the Kardashians are having family troubles.
We are spend our precious time and money on getting our hair done once a month because we “deserve it.” When we encounter a homeless man on the street we pass him off as a druggie or someone who is faking it to get some extra cash. We are quick to become selfish but we won’t take a minute to put ourselves in another’s shoes or think about what would happen if we were born into a different lifestyle. We complain about not having the latest phone or the newest shoes, but we don’t think about the millions of people and animals living in famine or war zones. We assume that the rest of the world is just like we are. #Blessed.
Some people are born and exposed to different situations than others. Some are born into poor, broken or drug-ridden homes. We forget that animals have feelings and emotions, so we kick them to the curb as soon as they become a nuisance. Most of us don’t have to worry too much about where our next meal is coming from, but there are people who were born into unfair situations, there are animals who are homeless and abused, and there are men, women and children who go to bed hungry in every town, city, state and country.
Charities were formed to help the needy and to make the world a better place. Some people either don’t have time to help or donate because they either don’t have time, or they don’t know exactly where their money is going. I have come up with three charities — among the hundreds that are deserving — that I believe people should be more aware of. They have great financial records, awesome reputations and change the lives of thousands, if not millions.
1. Action Against Hunger
While their headquarters are located in New York City, this organization works to combat world hunger in the time of crisis, conflict, war and natural disaster. Compensations to leaders is on the lower end of $200,000, which is only 0.38 percent of their entire expenses. Ninety-three cents from every dollar donated goes straight to the program, which is much more competitive than charities with money-hungry CEOs. They also hold a four out of four star rating according to Charity Navigator. With malnutrition claiming millions of lives each year, this organization fights to counteract that tragedy by executing many programs combating malnutrition, poor water, sanitation and hygiene, food security, livelihoods and improving emergency response. This charity benefits over five million people each year. You should care about this organization because they focus to help others regardless of race, ethnicity, political affiliation or religion. The organization mainly asks for just $45 to save a child's life. So, next time you have extra cash laying around and are thinking about buying a new pair of shoes, think about a child who doesn't have shoes, or even a meal. Below is a video released by Action Against Hunger breaking down how a small contribution can make a huge difference in the fight against hunger.
2. 4 Paws for Ability
With a perfect financial and accountability score according to Charity Navigator, this organization works to provide service dogs to children worldwide. Not only do they focus on children, they also work to help veterans who have lost limbs or hearing while in combat. They are a nonprofit agency with a very touching cause and competitive advantages. The dogs have an overall 98 percent success rate when placed with an individual. Only 6 percent of the expenses are paid to the CEO. This charity has a nationwide outreach so every person with a disability has access to the dogs. Having a service dog increases independence and freedom of the recipient. The dogs help with a wide array of tasks including disabilities, seizure assistance, autism assistance, diabetic alert and more. Below is a video made by the organization that helps shed some light with personal testimonies from recipients.
3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
You may have already heard of this charity. It protects the environment and preserves wildlife globally. This organization is very financially stable with the CEO receiving only 0.2 percent of the expenses according to Charity Navigator. They take an integrated approach in helping with all aspects of nature. They try to cut down on the human environmental footprint by restoring wildlife and ecosystems. WWF focuses on six key areas: forests, marine, freshwater, wildlife, food and climate. They feel that these areas protect vulnerable places, species and communities worldwide. The World Wildlife Fund is present in 100 countries with 5 million members globally. You can help by making a simple donation, adopting a species, or buying gifts from their gift shop where most of the proceeds go to their cause. Another option is speaking up at the Action Center online. This charity is very important because we cannot do the awesome things we do without an earth, so therefore we need to take care of it. Below is a campaign video explaining the interaction of a healthy planet.
There are thousands of charities in the world that are deserving of contributions and help. Often charities are overlooked because we don't know exactly where our money is going which is a valid point. I have presented three charities that support different missions in the world while maintaining financial responsibility and accountability. Thankfully we have men and women who take the initiative to act, and you can be one of them going to bed at night knowing you're helping the world become a better place to live.
