10 Charities That Need Extra Help Every Winter

September 24, 2019 by Angie Long

As summertime comes to an end, people are starting to think about the holidays and how to budget their finances. And if you're one of the many Americans who make charitable donations every year, you may be wondering which nonprofit to donate to. 

While you're researching your options, keep in mind the charities that could use some extra help as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. Here is a list of charities that need extra help during the fall and winter.

10 Charities to Help During Winter

• National Alliance to End Homelessness - Homelessness affects everyone, even those who don't live on the streets. And winter weather causes a lot of extra anxiety. Take action to decrease homeless rates or donate to help end homelessness here. 

• UNICEF- In many countries with ongoing suffering, winter is a dreaded time of year that brings cold and famine. Help kids around the world keep warm this winter by donating money for clothing and blankets to UNICEF, an organization that responded to over 300 emergencies in 2018.

• Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) - For families of people with Alzheimer's disease, it isn't just the patient who can use help, but the families who are often left to care for them - sometimes while working full-time and managing families of their own. This stress is multiplied when winter comes and poses its own unique risks such as transportation issues and heating concerns. If you know a family dealing with the struggles of Alzheimer's, consider donating to the AFA this winter or simply by checking in on them to see if they can use a little help. 

• Meals on Wheels America - During winter weather, it is not only difficult for seniors to get to the grocery store but dangerous. Icy conditions and even just a few inches of snow can make a senior in fragile condition afraid to venture outside, especially if they don't have any help. Considering the statistic that 83% of low-income, food-insecure seniors aren't getting the nutrition they need, Meals on Wheels is a much-needed service as they deliver healthy meals to seniors in need. However, they're dangerously underfunded and need more support to keep going. Take action by telling Congress to do more for our seniors, or donate here. 

• Toys for Tots - Since 1947, the Marine Toys for Tots program has helped 258 million less-fortunate children experience the joys of Christmas. You can find a drop-off center in your neck of the woods to donate a toy or two, or simply donate here. 

• Operation Warm - So many people take their winter clothing and coats for granted without realizing that many people have to either find hand-me-downs during winter weather or do without a winter coat at all. Operation Warm uses $0.95 of every dollar you donate to create brand-new coats to families and children who need them. To get involved, donate here. 

• Feeding America - One in 8 Americans struggle with hunger daily. Feeding America operates over 200 food banks around the country, and they have a significantly higher need around Thanksgiving and the holidays. A small $1 donation can fund 10 meals. If you're interested in helping out this winter, you can donate here. 

• Mental Health America (MHA) - Mental health is something that is easily overlooked, as it is a sensitive topic that can be difficult to talk about. Unfortunately, winter is a difficult time for many people struggling with mental health, as well as for their families. It is especially difficult for people who have lost a loved one to suicide and have to face the holidays without them. MHA is dedicated to serving the needs of people living with mental illness. Find an MHA affiliate in your area and volunteer your time, or donate in memory of someone special. 

• Shepherd's Centers of America - Seniors tend to be forgotten, and it can be especially rough around the holidays. 28% of older adults live in isolation. With social enrichment programs and transportation services, Shepherd's Centers of America can be quite useful for seniors around the country. A donation of any amount is appreciated, but of $182 can provide six round-trip rides to their medical appointments this winter. 

• The Salvation Army - Perhaps one of the most visible charities during wintertime is the Salvation Army, with its cheerful bell ringers standing outside of major retailers and shopping malls during all sorts of weather. Providing family dinners, keeping them warm and putting toys under the tree are just a handful of ways the Salvation Army helps brighten the holidays, and it needs both volunteers and donations. So next time you see that red kettle (during November and December), donate with confidence knowing that $0.82 of every dollar you donate goes straight to funding their initiatives.

Of course, there are likely many more charities that could use extra help during wintertime, but you can use this list for ideas on the types of charities that you feel best about supporting. For more ideas, check out our list of featured causes that could use extra help any time of year.