While the spirit of Christmas highlights decorated trees, bright lights and Santa Claus ? it also includes charitable giving. If you want to donate time or money to a charity or nonprofit, but aren?tsure which one to choose, below is a list of several people or organizations in need.
>> Inspired by their love of animals and ABC?s Extreme Makeover, the Humane Society of Harford County began much-needed renovations to their Cat and Critter House. Volunteers were working hard, using obtained donations to renovate, when they discovered a major dilemma ? the roof was leaking and damaging the supports to the floors. The estimate to fix the roof ? $1,500 ? is more than the Humane Society can afford by themselves. They are currently seeking financial donations from local residents, or any improvement company that can donate time and materials to correct the situation. For more information or to donate, call volunteer Belinda Baker at 443-327-1439.
>> More than 100 Catonsville High School students will be participating in the 2nd Annual Catonsville Goes Coastal Campaign, to aid in the rebuilding efforts for families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Students of all ages will travel to Kiln, Miss., in June . The endeavor requires funding for the kids meals, transportation and housing while they are in Kiln ? a minimum amount of $48,000. The students are seeking donations from residents as well as businesses ? any business that donates $1,000 or more will be listed on the student?s work T-shirts. Checks should be made payable to the Catonsville Heritage Foundation and sent to Kendall McCoy, 6 Osborne Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. The community-supported trip is entirely student-founded and run. For more information, call Jayna at 410-493-0092.
>> Oceana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the world?s oceans, recently announced their holiday gift program, titled “Eat a Cookie, Save the Oceans.” Supporters can virtually adopt a marine animal through and depending on the amount donated, will recieve up to 16 ocean-themedcookie cutters, a baking mitt, an offical adoption certificate, ocean facts and a sugar cookie recipe. Proceeds from the program go towards Oceana?s ongoing conservation efforts to protect the world?s oceans.
