Here’s The Top 10 Charities You Can Help This Holiday Season in Yakima

Thanksgiving Is a Time to Help for the Holidays

It's almost that time of year when you may start to think about donating to a charity for the Thanksgiving holiday. Local and state officials say be careful and know the charity you are giving money to or you could be the victim of a scam.

DON'T GET SCAMMED WHEN GIVING TO A CHARITY

Do your homework: know the charity where you give your gift. In fact, local authorities say it's fine to put a few dollars in the red Salvation Army kettles during the holidays, but if you're planning larger contributions to charity, there's more to be done than just opening your wallet or purse. Holiday giving is one of the areas where well-meaning people like you and your money are easily parted, and some charities could be scammers.

IGNORE THOSE PHONE CALLS AND GIVE DIRECTLY

If you want every dollar to go to the charity, then donate directly rather than being prompted by a phone solicitor. The Washington Secretary of State's office warns residents that this is the time of year when bogus charities with names similar to legitimate charities will crop-up.

OUR TOP TEN LIST

So many great legitimate charities are in the Yakima Valley. For decades these top ten local charities have made big impacts and have never been accused of anything but helping people in the Yakima valley.

We invite you to suggest other charities that need donations at this time of year.

Yakima Salvation Army

Yakima Union Gospel Mission

Yakima's Camp Prime Time

Yakima's Memorial Foundation

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington

Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity

United Way of Central Washington

Rod's House Yakima

Yakima Valley Community Foundation

Love Inc of Yakima

If you have any questions about a charity, check out the Better Business Bureau's page at bbb.org.

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