I am in the same boat, but understand that those who put others first in the end will be first

No worries Ruth. My money is MINE! unless the souls to which need it such as RSPCA (i donate directly to them) :P

i'm a regular at the sperm bank

Legitimate Charities never go knocking on doors

Hence the "mind you, no one hardly ever knocks on my doors"
But Australia is weird. I've had Red Cross knock on my door a couple times. They were totally legit.

Quebecers are weird to ...down here laws were made for solicitors

I give to Canine Companions for the Blind, they train dogs for people with special needs. Since I have been cleaning out the house, I have been donating clothes and items to Big Brothers/Big Sisters for them to sell in their stores.

whomever crosses my path in need (and not too proud to ask), when I am able

My main charity is the crippled childrens fund. I know when I needed them for my son they were there. My BF daughter has cystic fibrosis so I plan to start donating there now that I know more about the disease & research they do.

I've been a member of Red Cross since I graduated from college and have been volunteering my services there. There's another charity founded by a religious order that I donate medicines to regularly. The medicines I ask from friends of mine from the pharmaceutical industry and from other medical fields. I used to do a lot of volunteer work during times of disaster or calamity, but now not so much. I'm also active with animal rescues and shelters since I love animals and taking care of them gives me pure pleasure.

Our local Red Cross chapter finally got a new President and Board and is now functional again. (The past President kept all new people out and ran the whole thing terribly). I was thinking I will look into volunteering there now.

I'm glad to hear that your RC is under new management then. Hopefully, it will be managed more efficiently. RC is a huge organization and a lot of people depend on it. They always need volunteers, whatever background you may have. Even blood donations are welcome. Sometimes, people would just help in the packing of relief goods for disaster stricken areas. It's a good feeling when you're there and you know what you're doing will be a huge help to someone somewhere. :)

I remember going with medical missions in far flung areas. It was scary, but exciting and emotional too. There was a time when we literally had to hike through mountains because no transport can get to the places we needed to be. My blue jeans turned to mud-caked brown, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I give money to our local food bank when I am able to.

That is so cool!!!! Yes, I would be volunteering with things like packing boxes since I have no medical training other than the usual first aid stuff.

Thank you for your volunteer service...that is awesome!

I volunteer at the SPCA once a week. I also take 2/40 pound bags of dog food there. I wash the dogs. Walk them. Clean out the cat cages. Whatever they need, i help..

I enjoy it.

And, thank you to EVERYONE who volunteers their time in whatever capacity you do it!

Thank you, Ruth. You are too kind. It's really just something I like doing. And I'm no RC official, but I really am glad to hear you'll be volunteering there. :)

I give what I can to Cystic Fibrosis,being my daughter passed away from it.I also give to cancer.I have many family members who died from it.

Donation for enrichment of society is a noble work. But to find out the right place is very tough.
My plan, to run a school to develop talent of students of so called weaker section of the society.