9 SLC Charities You May Not Know About

Looking for opportunities to give to Salt Lake causes during the holidays (and throughout the year)? You’ve probably heard of The Road Home, United Way, and the Utah Food Bank—organizations doing important work in our community. But there are many other ways to donate your time, money, and more this holiday season.

Here are nine lesser-known organizations changing Utah lives for the better.

#1. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge offers those with cancer a “home away from home” in downtown Salt Lake. They and their caregivers can stay temporarily in one of forty suites—free of charge—and access nearby cancer treatment resources and healthcare facilities.

You can donate to the Salt Lake Hope Lodge here. For volunteer opportunities, sign up through the American Cancer Society.

#2. Changing Lives Globally

If you want to get involved in a cause that helps people worldwide, Changing Lives Globally offers ways to do just that. This charity focuses on refugee families in the US and people in need living in Mexico and Central and South America.

To get involved, donate new clothes and toys, grocery store gift cards, or even adopt an entire family for donations.

#3. Family Promise Salt Lake

Family Promise Salt Lake is an alliance of several religious organizations that assists homeless Utah families as they regain independence and stability. Family Promise has served more than eight hundred families in Salt Lake since 1995.

Go here to donate money directly to Family Promise Salt Lake. The organization also offers several volunteer opportunities throughout the holiday season, like helping to stage a Christmas-themed musical.

#4. For the Kids

Many Salt Lake children can’t count on getting the food they need. For the Kids steps in to provide healthy meals for children—many of whom come from refugee or homeless families. The meals go straight into kids’ backpacks as they head home from school each weekend.

Get involved with this cause by filling and sorting food, running weekly bag delivery, volunteering in classrooms, or making a donation.

#5. House of Hope

House of Hope offers treatment, education, and health services to families affected by substance-abuse disorders. The facility includes same-day and residential treatment for women and provides a safe space for their children to stay.

You can donate wish-list items like winter coats, newborn clothing, diapers, and formula. House of Hope also accepts volunteers in Salt Lake.

#6. Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity

The Salt Lake Valley branch of Habitat for Humanity gets individuals and families into safe, well-made homes. The organization builds new homes, repairs existing homes, and revitalizes entire neighborhoods.

You can help Habitat for Humanity by making donations, volunteering as a construction worker, or joining in a corporate team-building activity.

#7. Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities (UAID)

If you’d like to help Utahns with intellectual disabilities and their families, check out UAID. This charity helps people by giving holiday gift boxes and by offering social, financial, and computer-skills training.

Get involved with UAID by donating money or items or by volunteering to spend time with these individuals. UAID also offers Eagle project and church ministry opportunities.

#8. Utah Community Action

Utah Community Action tackles poverty by helping lower-income Utahns pay for basic needs like education, nutrition, and utilities. Individuals and families can apply to have portions of their utility bills paid, gain access to educational programs, and get help with affordable housing.

To get involved with this organization, contact Utah Community Action for volunteer opportunities or make a donation.

#9. Utah Harm Reduction Coalition

The Utah Harm Reduction Coalition (UHRC) is an organization committed to compassionate interventions for people at risk of harm from substance abuse. UHRC’s programs include treatment, testing, and syringe exchanges.

To volunteer with or donate money to this organization, contact UHRC directly.

Take some time to check out these organizations and choose one (or more) to get involved with, especially during this holiday season. Is there another great Salt Lake charity I missed? Reply to this email, and I’ll be sure to share it with others!

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