Today is giving Tuesday, a global giving day. I give to charities that have special meaning to me. But giving doesn't have to be just a one time deal. Next year I sign up for Medicare! Yikes! Hitting this milestone is hard for me to imagine but along with it are thoughts of getting my affairs in order.
I'm going to digress a little, but do you have a Will? Did you know that in Virginia you do not need a lawyer to draft a Will. State by state online Wills can be downloaded for free and edited (every State has it's own rules). You can even write your Will by hand or later add a handwritten note to your Will if you have details to change or add, but you won't be around to make sure it stays attached, so having a printed complete Will is best. My library provides a free notary by appointment, just bring several witnesses to come along to sign your Will. No longer do banks offer this service and no business provides "staff" to be witnesses like they did in the old days.
I've known of several people that have no family to speak of and could easily divide their estate among non-profits by designation in a Will. Don't let the State government inherit your property because you do not have a Will! Gift it instead to agencies that truly need the money.
A few of my favorite charities are animal focused. My list includes charities that I have followed for years or personally know the individuals that are in charge. Before giving, do your homework or ask friends or family for recommendations. Giving to big national charities generally is a bad idea, keeping your donation locally is a great idea. There are a few charities that I donate to that are not in my area but are very small shoestring operations that greatly need help. Many charities now accept Venmo.
If you take the IRS standard deduction on your taxes, you can not write off charitable donations in 2025, you can only benefit if you itemize. It looks like this changes for 2026 but there are limitations and it is complicated. Regardless of a tax donation, giving should come from the heart and this year has been extra tough for many charities given the rise in inflation and job layoffs.
A few of my recommended hard working charities are as follows:
HOWS,
Houses of Wood and Straw is a 501c3 animal rescue charity that has been operating for 17 years and serves several counties in my area. They just found a property where they can permanently reside. This year a donor has stepped up that will match all donations up to $15,000. It's a great time to give! They initially began building sturdy dog houses for chained dogs and have expanded to erecting fencing to unchain dogs. Because of my animal rescue background, I've been a supporter for years. I understand very well the difficulty in Virginia to remove animals from a bad situation. Laws permit people to keep outside dogs and often the situation is dire. HOWS provides EYES into the community and at least makes a bad situation the best it can be, providing medical care, guidance, and property improvements. Sometimes even getting lucky by counseling pet owners to allow them to find a warm and cozy inside home for their pets.
Sweet Peeps Microsanctuary is a 501c3 chicken rescue in Alabama that houses factory farm chickens, chickens that were slated to be killed in religious ceremonies, and chickens impacted by recent actions of ICE. Operated by the daughter of one of my good friends, I know the funds are used appropriately. Getting to know chickens on a personal level by having several flocks of chickens of my own it has opened my eyes to their varied personalities and antics. Chicken rescues are rare and the need is great.
A small group of individuals saw a need in the Harrisonburg area to help those that are in dire situations such as the power is going to be cut off, cars being repossessed, and eviction. Heart breaking stories of being one month away from homelessness. Helping who they can with the funds they cobble together, this is an agency that serves from the heart and needs your help.
Mountain Valley Mutual Aid can be followed on Facebook or Instagram.
We've all read about the disastrous impacts of SNAP benefit removals. Seek out your local food pantry and help!
Loaves and Fishes has been helping citizens in need in Charlottesville for many years. 27% of Cville families live at or below the poverty level.
As I approach retirement, I see that my mental faculty and funds are realigning. Giving doesn't have to wait until your death, it can be gifted today! Let's all participate in Giving Tuesday.
~Rebecca
