A priority we as adults should always have is to develop a functioning society capable of acceptance and nourishment for the sake of our children. There are countless organizations today that strive to support children in some way, and choosing which to donate to can be overwhelming. However, rest assured that the following are some of the highest rated children’s charities in the world, so your time or money would not be going to waste.
UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund began shortly after the end of World War II as an effort to feed starving children throughout Europe, China, and the Middle East. Now focusing on five major aspects, UNICEF prioritizes education, HIV/AIDS, emergency situations, malnutrition, and immunization. The organization operates in over 150 countries today in an effort to improve the lives of children all over the world.
BBBSA
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children reach their professional goals through supportive relationships and effective mentoring. BBBSA is a great way for children and young adults to develop their meaningful skills that can prepare them for the professional world and any ventures they may take part in. The organization is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network.
Canines for Disabled Kids
What better way to help children than with dogs? Canines for Disabled Kids works with children ages 12 and under suffering from Autism, hearing disabilities, and physical disabilities. The organization advocates therapy dogs and their truly unique benefits with children of special needs, building their confidence and relationship skills. Only beginning in 1998, CDK strives to expand their efforts all across the country.
Special Olympics
It’s hard to discuss truly life changing charities and organizations focusing on children and not bring up the Special Olympics. Working with both children and adults who have intellectual disabilities, this organization operates in over 180 countries training athletes in 30 different olympic sports. Not only does this improve their physical fitness, but the relationships built throughout can greatly increase the confidence of those involved, and help them discover new talents they may not have known they had. Working with younger athletes, the Special Olympics also offers programs catered to those between the ages of 2 and 7.
St. Jude
A household name in the world of charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children in all 50 states, and other countries around the world. The research facility included within the hospital is dedicated to finding cures for diseases like cancer, AIDS, sickle cell anemia, and aplastic anemia. Perhaps the greatest benefit that comes with St. Jude’s services is the fact that the families of the children treated are charged nothing. Thanks to its millions of volunteers, the organization is able to donate its time and efforts to bettering the lives of over 4,000 children per year.