The holidays are here again, and the Salvation Army has invaded our commercial centers once more.

If you are still skeptical at the thought of donating to some charities, go to charitynavigator.org and look for the charity. The charity will be listed with many reviews regarding their accessibility and their transparency.

Yet, all year long we constantly ask ourselves why we don’t donate more often. Well, I am proud to say this year you can try again.

Here is a well-rounded list of donation opportunities available to you.

Local Opportunities

Not as involved with the community as you wish you were? Have spare items lying around? Check out these areas near you and donate today!

My Brother’s Keepers

My Brother’s Keepers is a local organization whom primarily makes sleeping bags for those unfortunate enough to be homeless.

The Keepers are collecting many materials needed to make these sleeping bags, including:

Blankets

Towels

Sheets

Pillowcases

Men’s Neck Ties

Yarn

Drop Off: Hope UCC, 701 Cherry St., Wind Gap PA

Wednesdays from 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

The Slater Family Network

The Slater Family Network (SFN) is a family center. They provide many items from resources to referrals to the residents of the Bangor Area.

The Network is currently accepting…

• Winter coats
• New gloves
• New hats
• New Scarves

Drop off location: 1597 S. Delaware Drive, Mt. Bethel Pa

Open Monday—Friday: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Open Saturday: 10 a.m.—3 p.m.

*SFN will stop accepting donations by Dec. 21, 2017

Mission of Love Food Bank

While this may seem like an ordinary food bank, the Mission of Love goes much farther than just bringing those that need it food, but a family like atmosphere as well.

If you are interested in donating contact Pastor Frank Ponz directly 570- 807-7794

Further information on the food bank can be found at http://www.pentecostalchurchthetruth.org

PUMP (Portland Upper Mount Mt Bethel Food Pantry)

Operating in and around the Portland area, PUMP, is an ever growing food pantry, determined to allocate resources to those that need them the most.

Call 570- 897-5847 for information on donating

Pen Argyl Salvation Army

A smaller food bank, the Pen Argyl food bank is highly ambitious, and is seeking donations to fulfill the needs of their poor working class families

Contact the Pen Argyl Corps at 610 863-6677 for any questions on donating to the bank

Other Ways

With the onset of technology, it is easier than ever to support causes that you may believe in. These may be something within the United States, or have world reaching effects.

Make-a-Wish Foundation

Ever since 1980, the Make-a-Wish Foundation has been the means for thousands of families and patients, nationwide, to realize their wishes— just as the innocent young chap born with a congenital heart defect given the

chance to be a ‘pilot’.

If you decide to donate, visit greaterpawv.wish.org and click on the big blue and white button at the top right of your screen. There is a minimum donation of $5.00, but the donations only go up from there, so have at it!

The American Red Cross

Famed for their blood drives, and their support for global conflicts, the American Red Cross (ARC) is practically open ended in its possibilities.

In fact, the ARC allows you to donate to…

Disaster Relief: Donate a few dollars to help people affected by not only natural disasters, but man made ones as well.

Where it is Needed Most: Not sure where to donate? Support the front lines of the most damaging issue of the time.

Your Local Red Cross: Feel the need to improve your local community? You can try and donate to American Red Cross programs near you, specifically the one around Stroudsburg.

Home Fires: Home fires can happen in an instant, and without any warning. In mere seconds, every cherished possession could be reduced to ashes. Donate specifically to help those families affected by home fires, so that they may recover.

Just visit redcross.org/donate to set up a monetary donation today!

*There is a minimum $10 donation

Oh, and yes, we cannot forget donating blood. If you go to their website, and click on the give blood tab, you can find blood as close as Stroudsburg, and donate within no time.

Miller Keystone Blood Center

Saving the lives from the Keystone State and beyond for almost fifty years, Miller Keystone continues to support the health of our society today, operating from Bethlehem to Reading.

The facilities are constantly in need of new blood, to donate…

1. Register online at the address below, or call 1 800-B-A-DONOR
2. Answer the donor questionnaire before you arrive
3. Eat and drink
4. Come in and donate

Visit giveapint.org for more information on donor eligibility and the donating process