Making a holiday gift to a nonprofit organization has never been more important. “Orange County has been hit especially hard during COVID due to our tourism industry,” says Kimberly Jetton, MNM, CFRE, executive director of the Orange Catholic Foundation. “Unemployment rates are astronomical, leading to families in crisis with housing, food insecurity, and medical bills. As Catholics, we are called to help our brothers and sisters in Christ whenever possible.”
Where to donate with so many people in need? “Look to see what local organizations are providing needed goods and services that touch your heart,” says Jetton. Here is a list of nonprofits that work to help people internationally, nationally, and right here in Orange County.
LOCAL
Catholic Charities of Orange County
What they do: Provides free groceries three days a week through the Doris Cantlay Food Distribution center; immigration and citizen assistance; nutrition education, a crisis hotline and more.
What it needs: Food donations and money to support programs
Accepted donations: One-time or monthly pledges of any amount
How to donate: PayPal and credit card through website, ccoc.org; call 714-282-3043
The Orange Catholic Foundation
What it does: Provides grants to scholarship funds for students and crucial support for parishes and outreach ministries.
What it needs: Financial donations to support programs
Types of giving: One-time or monthly pledges of any amount; employer matching; planned giving
How to donate: Credit card, cash or check via website, orangecatholicfoundation.org; send check to Orange Catholic Foundation, 13280 Chapman Avenue, Suite 430, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Orangewood Foundation
What it does: Helps foster children prepare for adulthood by strengthening their emotional and physical health, teaching life and work skills, providing housing referrals, and supporting educational goals. Note: Due to Covid, donated items are accepted in drive-by drop-off only.
What it needs: One-time or monthly donations; personal hygiene items, groceries, new clothing, household supplies, crafts items and gift cards
Types of giving: One-time or monthly donations of any amount; employer matching; United Way contributions; planned giving; stocks
How to donate: Credit card via website, orangewoodfoundation.org; send check to Orangewood Foundation, 1575 E. 17th Street, Santa Ana CA 92705; call 714-619-2100
NATIONAL
Operation Shoebox
What it does: Puts together boxes and Christmas stockings full of snacks, personal care items, notes of thanks and other goodies and sends them to American troops around the world.
What it needs: Individual financial donations, corporate sponsors, donations of individually wrapped cookies, ramen noodles, beef jerky and granola bars
Types of giving: Donations of any amount
How to donate: Credit card, PayPal or E-check via website, samaritanspurse.org
Project Angel Tree
What it does: Brings “gifts and the gospel” to children of incarcerated mothers and fathers every Christmas through community efforts.
What it needs: Individual or church parish donations of money and/or Christmas gifts for children
Types of giving: One-time or monthly donations of any amount
How to donate: Call 800-206-9764, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (EST); send check to Prison Fellowship, P.O. Box 1550, Marrifield, VA 22116-1550
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
What it does: Provides safe places for kids to thrive and programs that focus on academics, health and leadership with trained staff to guide, coach and motivate children.
What it needs: Financial donations to support programs
Types of giving: Donations of any amount
How to donate: Credit card, stocks, employer matching and more via website
INTERNATIONAL
Malala Fund
What it does: Invests in educators and education advocates for girls in regions where girls are missing out most.
What it needs: Donations to support programs
Types of giving: One-time or monthly donations; stocks; bequests; employer matching
How to donate: Credit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal via website, malala.org; checks to The Malala Fund, Lockbox 11114, P.O. Box 70280, Philadelphia PA 19176-0280