What charity, to help feed and clothe children is the best & most honest?

Question

I want to help sponsor a child who is in most need of help? Please advise of a legitimate charity! I want to make sure the child or children are really receiving help from my donations.

Answer 1

Check the charity at the BBB web site:

http://www.give.org/

Answer 2

Frank is spot on. DO NOT give to any of these big charities as by far the most of it is swallowed up in administration and VERY HIGH WAGES for the top people.
I would suggest that you look closer to home. A trip round your own hospital and the special care baby unit, you will not want to support anything else when you see these tiny little babies fighting for their lives. To be a part of that must be wonderful. Sometimes the hospital might need mattresses for certain wards or something, at least you know EXCATLY where your money is going.

Answer 3

In my humble opinion, there are few and I have lived and worked in 17 countries. A lot of the money is consumed by administration rather than actually helping the children and another thing that many people do not think about is the standard of living so what is a triffling amount in the US is actually a substantial amount in such countries. A friend who was helping a poor girl in India, visited the country and found that she was supporting a middle class family. Churches are pretty good and your pastor could guide you but even there, one must tread cautiously with the numerous sects as some are less than honest. The UN might be a good place as they are in touch with the needs of the people and deal with reputable agencies.

Answer 4

It's easy to SAY that American families need it more, but anyone who has actually LIVED in a third world country will know that it's difficult for most Americans to understand the sheer level of poverty and misery that many children in the third world experience. Frankly, it's that kind of attitude that gets America a bad name overseas. I'm thrilled that you are thinking of contributing to making a better world.

You might want to consider:
Emergency funds (for example Red Cross and UNICEF both ask for money in response to particular emergency need, say when the Tsunami happened, for example)
Long term self-sufficiency projects which focus on education and generation of local commerce (Oxfam is a great example)

You may also wish to consider whether your donation is going to be funding missionary work - some people do not believe in paying to 'convert' people and stripping away their local culture and values, while others do.

Answer 5

CHILDRENS MIRACLE NETWORK: This organization is very reliable. I personally did a walk through at a children's hospital and I know where the money goes. It's amazing all the tiny hospital beds and other needed equipment to help the children get well. What's even better is the money stays in your area NOT some place where it flees-ed by the time it gets to the children that need it most.

Answer 6

CHRISTIANS CHILDREN FUND...I've done it and it's a very rewarding feeling. They do actually send you pics of the child and you and the child can correspond. It's really great. They down fall is when they try to sale you other children to sponsor. That's when it become overwhelming and you may feel like pulling out. But think about the one child you have sponsored and stay in their.

Answer 7

How about an American child .. every year we send millions to third world countrys trying to help them out and the next year they are asking for help again..If you have money to help, adopt an poor American family that needs it. "not one of these people that clame to be poor and are buying alchohal and drugs with their food stamps".. there are American babys that are going to bed hungary everyday.. Bill Gates and Warren buffit are sending money now to help the less fortunet than Americans very good cause.. but truth of the matter is they will see less than ten percent of their money help anyone... The rest will be stolen by war lords/ terrorist and many other crooks.. You would think people like Mr Gates and Warren Buffit would know better, They will save two or may be even three thousand people .. but the rest of the money will go for Guns wepons and end up killing millions of people... you can't give that kind of money away to the poor of third world countrys with out causing mass distruction and devestation ... Think about the proverty problem in America.. Mr. Buffits 90 Billion dollars he gave to these countrys would eliminate poverty in the united states give childern a fighting chance...who knows may be even a few genusis that could change the world.. If we can't take care of our own babys how in the world could we help others..
This is a close subject to my hart you see billions going over sea's those childern are only seeing about three cents to the dollar, if that.. these crooks have infested the good will orginazations and are using your money to make war.. Please help a American Family.. I'm sorry I was so long winded, Thanks and God Bless you for helping... my spell check is not working so sorry !!!

Answer 8

I'm not entirely sure about that one. But I would advise looking into domestic charities as American children need just as much help as those oversees.

Answer 9

I read somewhere that the salvation army has the highest % of donations going directly to the recipients. I believe the numbers were over 90%. On a national level my donations now go to them. On a local level they go to safe houses for spousal abuse.

Answer 10

There are many reputable children's charities:

www.savethechildren.org
www.stjude.org (St. Jude Children's Hospital, in Memphis)
www.christianchildrensfund.org
www.oprah.com/uyl/volunteer/children/vol_children_main.jhtml (Oprah's list of trusted charities)

Also, just about any church, synogogue, and mosque would love to help you out.