Chicago area organizations are always looking for volunteers and donations. Here are just a few that you can support this winter.
Give Time
Donate Blood This Winter
American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois, 312-729-6100
Take a small amount of time out of your day to donate blood. According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood in the U.S. every two seconds and roughly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the U.S. every day. In addition, a hectic holiday season tends to lead to fewer donations. Start the year by being one of the country’s 6.8 million annual blood donors and finding a blood drive online. You can also find information about hosting a blood drive and the donation process, plus tips for donating.
Give Things
Donate Food and Fight Hunger
Feeding America, 800-771-2303
In 2015, 42.2 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, according to Chicago-based Feeding America. That includes 29.1 million adults and 13.1 million children. This winter, find a local food bank looking for donations at feedingamerica.org. You can also donate directly to Feeding America, create a personal fundraising campaign, find volunteer opportunities and ways to take action, and more.
Give Support
Discover a New Organization to Support
Public Good, 877-941-2747
Donate money easily to local and national organizations with Public Good. Whether you’re interested in supporting homeless shelters and food pantries or specific causes like Zika prevention or hurricane relief, Chicago’s own Public Good organizes nonprofits into categories so you can quickly find a group to support. Make It Better has also teamed up with Public Good to place red Take Action buttons in articles online, so you can easily support the organizations and causes we’re writing about.
