Adventure travel charities

July 8, 5:07 PMChicago Adventure Travel ExaminerTed Nelson

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With our economy slowly recovering from an unprecedented collapse, many charities have suffered as consumers are becoming more frugal. Although this trend is understandable, it does not mean that charities should be left out in the cold. A small gift of $10 to $25 is a big lift to a charity and does not break the bank. With many out of work, it is definitely not possible to give to as many charities as before, but it is important to remain charitable. Giving to charity makes one feel good about oneself and giving when times are tough is even a better way to create positive self worth.

With a tightening budget, it is important to explore the best option for giving for each individual. Those that like adventure travel have many options to give back to areas and lands that are cherished. One good option is giving to a favorite national or state park. Many parks have non-profit organizations that help out the parks. National parks are definitely in need of support as government budget cuts have been going on for years severely crimping their spending.
Any adventurer traveling in third world countries has to be touched with the plight of children in these areas. Plan USA is a great option to give as this is one of those programs where a donor can sponsor a specific child. For $24 a month a donor will help out an individual child and their community. The donor can go to the website and choose a child and a particular country. This is great because a relationship can be built between the child and the giver through letters and other gifts.

A personal favorite of mine is the Nature Conservancy. I like this option because they take contributions and actually buy land and set it aside and preserve it. I feel there is no better way to protect the environment than by doing this. They often times buy land adjacent to already protected areas giving an additional buffer zone to animals and habitat in these protected zones.

If there is a personal cause that one has feelings for there is probably a charity that supports it. Whether it is saving tigers, eagles, orangutans in Borneo, rain forests or coral reefs a charity can easily be found on the internet and is only a click away. Some may not have a favorite cause and opt for something like Greenpeace, National Wildlife, or the Red Cross as they have their hands on many causes and a good way to support a cross section of needs.

Another good way to contribute is by joining a non-profit club. Clubs like the Sierra Club usually sets aside a portion of dues received to give to charitable organizations that protect the environment.  The Sierra Club actually allows donors to choose a specific area to give to. 

With tough times behind and ahead of us, do not forget to give a small gift to a charitable organization from time to time. Small gifts add up and are definitely needed. It is a good feeling to give, especially in tough times.