Memphis Charitable Gift Guide 2009

When I posted the holiday gift guide a few weeks ago, I started getting requests for a list of Memphis-based charities and non-profits that may need help this holiday season. It’s been a toughI year for many people, and it makes me really happy to see the readers of the blog wanting to reach out an help others.

Here’s the 2009 Memphis Charitable Gift Guide. I’ve tried to choose charities and non-profits that are based in Memphis or work directly with communities in Memphis.

Porter-Leath

Porter-Leath, Memphis, Tenn.

Porter-Leath works with at-risk children and families in Memphis to help parents give their children healthy and safe lives. Porter-Leath runs a Head Start preschool, provides meals and snacks to low-income children, helps parents train for and find stable jobs, connects kids with foster grandparents, and teaches parenting skills to pregnant women and parenting families. They’re always looking for money, volunteers, sponsorships and donated goods. Find out more about giving to Porter-Leath.

Friends for Life

Friends for Life helps Mid-Southerners with HIV and AIDS through education, housing, food, transportation and health care. They’re in need of donations, volunteers (especially those of you that speak Spanish), and basic personal care items for their clients.

Forrest Spence Fund

The Forrest Spence Fund was started by two young parents who lost their child, Forrest, to birth complications. The fund provides the families of chronically ill children with comforting items for their hospital stay (think blankets, magazines, children’s books, a journal, stuffed animals, etc.). The fund also stocks NICUs with needed items like baby blankets, teethers, books and night lights. Find out more about donating to the Forrest Spence Fund.

Church Health Center

Church Health Center provides health care to  Memphians who are working, but for whatever reason, don’t have health insurance. They also run a clinic for the uninsured and run the Hope and Healing Center. Learn more about giving to Church Health Center.

Manna House

Manna House is a hospitality center for the homeless and needy in Midtown. They provide meals and drinks, a place to stop for conversation and rest, showers, personal hygiene items, and a phone for local calls. They need hospitality items (socks, soap, t-shirts, shoes, stocking caps, towels, and deodorant), money, and volunteers. Learn more about donating to Manna House.

Mid-South Food Bank

The Mid-South Food Bank provides food to 300 charitable feeding programs in 31 Mid-South counties. They’re in need of non-perishable food items, donations, and volunteered time. Learn more about donating to the Mid-South Food Bank.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude provides top notch medical care for children from all over the world. St. Jude never turns away children in need of care, and they take care of food, travel and lodging for patients and a family member. Make a donation to St. Jude.

MIFA

The Memphis Inter-Faith Association provides support to families in crisis, helps senior citizens maintain their independence and gives urban teenagers tools for success. Of every dollar donated to MIFA, 86 percent goes directly towards programs that better the lives of people in Memphis. Learn more about donating your money or volunteer your time to MIFA.

Ronald McDonald House Memphis

The Ronald McDonald House provides St. Jude patients and their families with a home away from home. Ronald McDonald House gives families a place to stay access to kitchen and living facilities and puts on events and celebrations. They’re in need of donations and volunteers for the house and special events. Learn more about giving to Ronald McDonald House.

There are plenty more worthwhile charities and non-profits in Memphis. If you have a favorite that’s not mentioned here, please leave it in the comments.