Donations for the Holidays

'Tis that time of year again. Donations for the holidays. Some donate because they are looking for a tax write off. Some donate because their heart tells them that they need to help save one more whale, horse, kitten or underprivileged child in Ethiopia. All great causes. But do your homework.

How much of every dollar you spend goes to what your heart decided on? Are they a legitimate rescue? Do they give at least 95% of what you donated to the cause you decided to spend your hard earned money on?

Just because an organization has a federal 501c3 DOES NOT mean they are good at what they do OR that they spend their money in an appropriate way. Those of us in the horse world have seen what a nightmare can become of animals, donations and the people that handle both.

Sad to say that some organizations don't help the people they are spreading around pictures of.

Do your homework. Ask questions. If you don't like the answers you are getting, then vote with your wallet and send your dollars to someone who will answer the questions and give you the warm, happy feeling that donating provides.

I have a couple in and around the state of Vermont that do great work. And spend their money on their animals. And are transparent with the numbers if you request them.

Green Mtn. Pug Rescue www.gmpr.org
Spring Hill Horse Rescue http://springhillrescue.com/
New England Equine Rescues http://newenglandequinerescues.com/

Your local food bank. There is one in each town. If you don't want to give them $, then go ask them what kind of food they are low on and go buy some at the grocery store.

Your neighbor with 2 jobs and 4 kids. Worried that they might spend the money on the couch-potato boyfriend? Bring over a couple of bags of groceries, a sled and some mittens and hats.

Your elderly neighbor? Shovel her driveway or walks. Go have a cup of tea with her. That is more quality time than money could never buy. And, who knows, maybe you'll learn a bit about her life that will enrich yours.

Ok. Off the soap box now. Sorry, it's been a while so forgot to post the warning! lol!

Look around you. This is what many people did after Irene. It's what makes Vermont the special place it is... Neighbor helping neighbor.