NBC host Ann Curry is encouraging everyone this holiday season to commit to “26 Acts of Kindness” in honor of the 26 victims who died in last Friday’s Sandy Hook elementary school shooting.
Curry’s message has spread rapidly across social media sites and has inspired many people to commit to acts of kindness, both big and small.
“I know the truth: if you do good, you feel good. It’s the most selfish thing you can do. Right now, this country wants to heal. I think the only thing comforting in the face of a tragedy like this is to do something good with it if you can. Be a part of that wave.” Curry told NBC News, in response to the out pour of support from fans.
Join Curry’s “26 acts of kindness” movement and donate this holiday season.
And here are some other organizations that we recommend giving back to this holiday season, from donating funds the Sandy Hook Elementary victims to giving blankets and food to those still impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
United Way of Western Connecticut
An official fund for families and victims affected by the tragic events in Newtown and Sandy Hook Elementary
“While the eyes of the world may be on Newtown/Sandy Hook, to our staff, volunteers and contributors, Newtown is home. We will stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event as we face the days and weeks ahead.”
To donate click here
Newton Youth and Family Services via Caroline’s Gift
A non-profit organization for emergency counseling for families, community members or staff involved in the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy.
“Caroline’s Gift was established in 1996 by a Newtown family in memory of their daughter Caroline. The fund’s charitable purpose is to assist Newtown families coping with the physical and mental needs of their children.”
To donate click here
OneRepublic – Connecticut School Shooting Victims Fund
A fund created by music group OneRepublic to raise money for families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, with a goal of reaching $50,000. Click above to watch their
“We are horrified and saddened at the senseless tragedy that has struck the Sandy Hook Elementary School and the community of Newtown Connecticut on December 14th. Within minutes, 26 people were killed including 20 young children. This is the second deadliest school shooting in U.S history and whilst nothing can ever replace the loss of family members and friends, we can help show them our support.”
To donate click here
Feed the Hungry is planning its biggest sit down dinner in the organizations history in Savannah, Georgia for 10,000 homeless and financially disadvantaged people. The organization is looking for donations on turkeys, canned goods, fresh produce, chairs, folding tables, trash bags, utensils, 5,000 toys, money, and volunteers.
“Savannah Feed the Hungry has served fresh produce to over 25000 needy familes since November 2009. The homeless of Savannah come from all walks of life! The mission is to serve each and every needy person therefore fostering a restoration process in their lives. Feeding the Hungry is the best way to change the face of homelessness and hopelessness.”
To donate click here
Pajama Program
A non profit-organization that provides new pajamas and books to underprivileged chidlren, many of whom are waiting to become adopted.
“Thousands of the children they serve live in orphanages, group homes and shelters and are shuffled often between temporary living facilities. Many of them have been abused or abandoned, and have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime and read to them. Since 2001 they have provided more than one million pajamas and books to children in need nationwide!”
To donate click here
Send a military service member or a relative of a service member a package this holiday season to show your gratitude for their services.
“Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors, Veterans and First Responders. Their mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member’s face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people.”
To donate click here
Children of prisoners face a different holiday experiences than others. Give a gift and a message to these children who are missing parents and relatives who are currently incarcerated.
“Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship, delivering love in the form of Christmas gifts and a message of hope to children of prisoners. Angel Tree Christmas connects the parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts by local church volunteers who purchase and deliver these gifts and the gospel to children.”
To donate click here
People are still without shelter and essentials as a result of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the American Red Cross, the largest private disaster-relief agency, is still operating shelters and mobile kitchens, making supply deliveries and offering services to the areas affected.
“The Red Cross continues to focus on reaching as many people as possible who need our help. Your help is urgently needed to continue to support relief efforts. Getting supplies and meals and water into affected areas is the top priority.”
To donate click here