With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to give thanks for our blessings while also extending a hand to help those in need. While some organizations offer additional giving and volunteer opportunities this time of year, money continues to be the most needed item among all charities due to its versatility. If you can open your heart and wallet to help others in our Las Vegas and Henderson community, here are six organizations needing your assistance today:
Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP)
VAREP is an organization focused on providing veterans with the opportunity for homeownership. It offers education and counseling services around the financial aspects of homeownership from the initial stage of understanding credit and financial literacy to sustaining ownership and preventing foreclosure. Through its efforts, VAREP believes it can reduce the epidemic of homeless veterans. Supporting VAREP and the work they do is as simple as visiting their website and making a cash donation directly online.
Helping women and children trying to escape abuse or homelessness is the mission of the Shade Tree. While shelter is available, the organization also provides programs to teach life skills and prepare women for the workforce. In addition to monetary donations, the organization accepts old cars, boats and other vehicles that can be sold or scrapped for cash.
Financial education is the goal of Junior Achievement, which focuses on providing children in grades K-12 with the financial tools and knowledge necessary for the real world. With more than 20,000 students being served annually in Clark County, Junior Achievement is always a charity in need of assistance. You can donate cash, stocks and other monetary items.
The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe environment for children to be when adult supervision is not available. In addition, it focuses on providing kids with recreational, fitness and art opportunities while also helping teach life and health skills. One-time or recurring monetary donations are always welcome. In addition, you can participate in planned giving with a donation of retirement accounts, real estate, insurance and bonds.
Salvation Army Family Services
Low-income individuals and families benefit from assistance provided by the Salvation Army Family Services. The charity offers several different types of assistance including food, baby and hygiene products, utility and rent assistance and referrals to partner agencies. In addition, they also coordinate seasonal programs to give special items to low-income individuals and families. These include coats during the winter season and backpacks in July and August for school. You can donate cash to the Salvation Army Family Services charity or give non-perishable food items, baby formula, and diapers.
Founded in 2013, the Nevada Youth Network aims to provide low-income youth with education and resources that empower them to make informed choices related to their physical, emotional and mental health. This empowerment creates growth, independence and confidence among the youth served. Donations are accepted online through the organization’s website.