Charity...

I've been moved to tears recently over those in need. 

I'm not sure if that's the post-partum pregnancy hormones talking, the nostalgia of my son getting older and my itty-bitty baby, or what it is, but I find myself shedding tears over people who need aid.

Joe and I were recently at our local grocery store, and as we walked in, I noticed brown paper bags to help "Tackle Hunger".  They were only $5. 

When I read what was inside, I got a huge lump in my throat as I realized that for so little, there was a nutritious meal for a family that otherwise might go hungry.

I asked Joe to please donate, which he did without a second thought. 

That moment made me realize how fortunate we truly are.  That, while we complain about the grocery bill, we can afford groceries.  We've never had to go to bed hungry.

It also made me realize that we could have been in that position.  Joe was laid off when the new Constable took over, after having worked there for almost 10 years, he wasn't brought back.  If Joe hadn't found a job, we very well could have been the family in need of a $5 meal.

As we exited the store, I looked around and realized that within 1 mile of where I stood there was, without a doubt, a child going to bed hungry that very night.

And it made my heart ache.  A parent going without food so their child could have food as they looked forward to Monday and the school day so they could eat again. 

And I clutched Kaylee a little tighter.

As I drove to work this morning, my radio morning show played some audio from when they dropped off 4 bikes to a disabled mother and her children for Christmas.  And I wiped away the tears yet again as I realized that I helped make that happen for her and her family.  Sure, I "only" gave $20, but that money, along with everyone else's "only" $20 added up and helped make Christmas happen for those children.  It helped buy them brand new bikes.

I've recommitted myself to save enough money to "buy" a llama through Heifer this year.  A full llama is $150.  I only need to put $20 aside each month.

I want to donate $20 each month on top of that to a charity of my choice.  I usually do Heifer as it's simple, but I think I should branch out and donate to other organizations as well.

But who should I donate $20 to?  There are many shady organizations out there who don't give much to those in need, while the people on the upper end of the ladder take home large paychecks (yes, I'm looking right at you HSUS).

So, who are some of your favorite charities or organizations?

Susan B. Komen comes to mind (my grandmother died of breast/ovarian cancer).  Who else?