It’s the holiday season and a time many of us are reminded how fortunate we are. There are many ways to contribute to our community to help those who are less fortunate. Cash donations, gifts, clothing, our time and/or our skills.

Some people ask and some don’t. As a consumer it can require some thought to make these decisions. Here are some suggestions to streamline the process:

• Do a little research to find an organization that embodies your values. Maybe there are a couple of organizations that you will choose.
• How exactly does your donation convert to support?
• Ask how much of your dollar goes to administration.
• Determine how much you would like to give and whether you prefer to give once a year, monthly or quarterly.
• Set up your donation.
• Don’t forget to put the tax receipt in your Tax Return envelope!

If you are inundated with calls from other organizations, kindly but firmly explain that you’ve decided who you are giving to and ask them to remove you from their call list.