Favorite Wisconsin Charities?

[dgridley]

Giving to a national charity is all well and good but as they say "charity begins at home", now is a good chance to introduce others to your favorite Wisconsin local charities.. whom do you support and why?

[dgridley]

One way I enjoy "giving" to a local charity is by patronizing the local thrift stores. I also try to give to the local food banks when I can.

Do you find yourself doing the same?

Any other charities you give to regularly?

[CindyLouWho]

We donate any unwanted items to the local St. Vincent's store. After my yard sale this summer, we took two van loads to them. We also donate to the food bank and to one of the local animal shelters. I also make donations to the State Historical Society in Madison every year.

We get calls from some police departments in the surrounding towns asking for donations but we never give to them. We've been told by our local sheriff that they are most likely legit but that the majority of the money doesn't actually go to the police departments.

[dgridley]

I sure hate to bypass a legitimate and worthy charity but that's been my concern as well. When I had a landline, I'd often get calls asking for "Lawrence", then when I'd say they had the wrong number, they'd reply, "That's ok, we'll talk to you.. " Oh, no you won't.. I detest that kind of tactic. And, yes, they purported to be collecting for donations for the Sheriff Fund or something..

The sad thing is: my elderly next door neighbor has been sucked into these phone calls past her ability to pay. She's signed up for several via subscription (monthly payments) and has been trying to get off a few with no success.. they just keep withdrawing from her bank account. Another neighbor is having a similar problem.

I'd rather do business face to face or via mail or a website I know is 100% legit.

Here are a couple links that might be worth looking at:

Wisconsin charities guide find a charity to donate or volunteer for child elderly homeless organizations and more.

Charity Directory of Wisconsin

Anyone else?

Originally Posted by CindyLouWho

We get calls from some police departments in the surrounding towns asking for donations but we never give to them. We've been told by our local sheriff that they are most likely legit but that the majority of the money doesn't actually go to the police departments.