2018 Giving

All my receipts are ready for my tax preparer! In 2018, I gave to 31 charities in all. Here are my personal top ten, the ones that received more than half of my cash contributions. It's like a snapshot of what mattered to me over the last year.

My church

Tree House Animal Foundation -- a cageless, no-kill cat adoption center

Harmony House for Cats -- One of Chicago's smaller shelters, and it's struggling

Feeding America -- A national organization devoted to helping those in need

My community food pantry

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation -- Because I love Abe, and their current financial crisis is shameful. When you tour the Lincoln Museum and you see all the school children, you realize how important this organization is today, especially in Trump's America.

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation -- Just because I can't afford to go back doesn't mean others shouldn't enjoy/learn

Greenpeace

Greater Chicago Food Depository -- The bulk of this was a contribution made in memory of the mom of our movie group moderator. Will is very active in this organization and so Joanna and I thought this would be a way to show our sympathy and support. Well, Joanna forgot to pay me her half. Then she hit financial hard times, and I decided against reminding her. We made this donation with good intentions, it's a worthy cause ... and I'm taking the deduction.

Hinsdale Humane Society -- This is the shelter where my mom got her beloved cat, Ethel. I gave on her birthday, Christmas and Mother's Day in her memory.

Cats, the hungry, and American History. Yes, that's a good reflection of where my heart is. And, of course, my church. Because I do try to live a life Christ would approve of.