In case you haven’t been on too much social media today, it’s Giving Tuesday (well, technically, #GivingTuesday, cause 2014). The idea is simple: if we make time to give thanks and go shopping during the holidays, we should also make time to give back.

Here’s my late entry for organizations that deserve your support, whether it is hands-on or financial (or both). I’m proud to say  that I’ve volunteered for all three of these organizations, and the chance to see their amazing work firsthand is humbling:

Stand Up For Kids

Stand Up For Kids has chapters across the country dedicated to reaching out to homeless youth and street kids. They offer everything from food, hygiene packs and internet access to a safe space from the realities of the street.

For more information on homeless kids, I recommend this episode of 20/20 as well. You can read more about my experiences volunteering with Stand Up here.

Joan Rose Foundation

The Joan Rose Foundation works with impoverished children and teens in the Dominican Republic, providing free education and food as a means out of poverty.

You can read more about my experiences serving in the Dominican Republic here.

Philadelphia PAWS

I’ve been volunteering for PAWS, a no-kill animal shelter, for a few months and it always makes my day. I haven’t brought home any new pets, but I do get lots of cuddle time and exercise with them.

(Side note: We actually adopted Zamboni, the love of my life, from another amazing no-kill animal shelter: the Delaware Humane Association, for which I will be forever grateful.)

What organizations do you support or volunteer with?

~ Sarah