Giving on a Budget

This season , helping the less fortunate and donate to charity you want to support . No matter how tight your budget is - and let's face it , almost every family has its expenditures decreased in the last two years - there are many ways that a difference this holiday without digging deep into your pockets .

 A. Giving gifts that benefit others .donation box
Instead of handing out gift cards for the holidays , treat everyone on your list with a " good map . " Visits beneficiaries networkforgood.org where the balance can give to one of 1.2 million registered charitable organizations group .
Rather give you a toy or a link? This is great - but choose a souvenir shop nonprofit . Many large charities such as The Nature Conservancy ( nature.org ) , the Make -A - Wish Foundation ( wish.org ) and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF ( unicefusa.org ) are online stores that will save you in - person journey . "If you buy directly from a charity , something nice for a loved one you get and support its programs at the same time , " says Sandra Miniutti , vice president of Charity Navigator , which detailed evaluations of more offers 5,000 nonprofit organizations, charity navigator . org .

 2. Clean for a cause.
Just sort by capturing dust stuff in your basement can make a difference . Chances are you'll find things of value to a family in need or a nonprofit . Martha Brant donated a table to the children for a silent auction . "We can not afford to make big checks ," says Washington , DC , mother of two children , " but it was something we could do . " Aside from your church or nursery , there are many places that need your donations .
Clothing , toys , and the speed of the kids : Try your local Goodwill ( goodwill.org ) Army Hi ( salvationarmyusa.org ) or the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation ( mophsf.org ) . You can deposit a local chapter or in many places , scheduling a free pickup .
Furniture: Your best bet is nationalfurniturebank.org ( enter your zip code to find a local partner ) . These groups generally accept beds , wardrobes, tables , chairs , sofas , lamps and other furniture struggling families need a fresh start .
Auto: To ensure that your donation is tax deductible , you would turn directly to a qualifying charity . Habitat for Humanity ( habitat.org ) take any vehicle , working or not , and even take the cost of towing.
Mobile phones, PDAs , iPods , digital cameras Recycling Charities ( recyclingforcharities.com ) has safely and donated these items to your designated charity . But you pay for the shipping .
Computers , printers , scanners , zip drives and Faxes : The National Cristina Foundation ( cristina.org ) corresponds donors of these items with local organizations .