While many of the national holidays that we cover are
dealing with food, the upcoming Christmas holidays have everyone in a giving
mood. Many nonprofits and charities function on the generous donations of their
supporters, making this time of year a prime season for them. With everything
that has gone wrong in 2020, many nonprofits have been working overtime to
support millions of people and pets who have had a bad year. This list of Louisiana
nonprofits should give you plenty of jumping-off points for finding the perfect
charity to support on National Philanthropy Day, this Sunday, November 15.
Cajun
Navy
When thinking about hurricane relief, most people in
Louisiana think of the Cajun Navy. The Cajun Navy works to save
lives during natural disasters and has been working tirelessly since 2016. Not only do they provide rescues, but they do
missing-children search-and-rescues and debris-clearing. This year alone,
they've worked to provide relief for those affected by Hurricanes Laura, Sally,
Delta, and Zeta. Currently, they're taking donations—both monetary donations
and cleaning materials and supplies, including rubber boots and wipes. 504-517-6289,
cajunnavyrelief.com
Louisiana
SPCA
The Louisiana
SPCA, or LASPCA, made news a few months ago for their free
sheltering and care of animals displaced by Hurricane Laura. The LASCPA works
to provide homes and care for pets while they await their forever homes.
Whether you choose to adopt a pet in need or just give them supplies, the LASPCA
has been working for over 130 years to provide furry friends with a temporary
or permanent home. Donations of pet supplies and even money can help more pets
get the vet care they need before being adopted, meaning you're not only
bringing families together, but also saving lives. Multiple Locations, louisianaspca.org
Green
Light New Orleans
Green
Light New Orleans is an organization that prides itself on
supporting local families to become more energy-efficient and sustainable. From
having volunteers install free efficient light bulbs to planting backyard
gardens and installing rain barrels, these actions help every family be better
able to care for themselves and the planet. The organization started in 2006,
and to date, they've built over 650 gardens and 950 rain barrels and saved
residents over $27 million in utility costs. 8203 Jeanette St.,
504-324-2429, greenlightneworleans.org
Robinson's
Rescue
Robinson's Rescue
is an animal rescue and hospital in Shreveport that holds a very special place
in the hearts of many Louisianans. The rescue provides low-cost spay/neuter
programs, as well as providing a way for people to humanely decrease pet
overpopulation in various areas. They only service North Louisiana, but their
services save healthy animals from euthanasia and allow low-income pet parents
to be able to provide for their fur babies without breaking the bank. Their
donations cover food, vaccines, and even the surgeries for the pets that they
service. 25115 Line Ave., Shreveport, 318-221-0017, robinsonsrescue.org
St. Bernard
Project
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the St. Bernard Project began to
lead New Orleans to recovery by helping to rebuild and showing other areas how
to structure their recovery. They serve low-to-moderate-income residents with a
special focus on families, including those with young children, the
under/uninsured, the elderly, disabled, and war veterans. Volunteers can help
build the houses for these impacted individuals, and donations go to supplying
the materials to build these houses. Since their inception, they have expanded
to providing relief in disaster areas across the United States. Multiple
locations, sbpusa.org