How to Donate to Help Children

Few things are more heartbreaking than witnessing a needy child. Natural disasters, war and poverty all affect helpless, innocent children. According to CARE, six million children under the age of five die every year as a result of hunger. In the last decade more than two million children have died as a direct result of armed conflict. Consider helping needy children by donating your time, money and any unwanted goods or belongings you have through a reputable, nonprofit organization that supports children's causes.

• 1

  Locate a charitable organization that accepts donations and volunteers and actively supports needy, low-income children. You can find such organizations by visiting the Charity Navigator website and conducting a quick search.

• 2

  Donate money to a reputable organization actively involved in providing aid to needy children. Choose a legitimate, trustworthy organization and visit its official website. Find and click the "Donate" tab or button. Choose a payment option or method and complete the donation process. You can donate money by mail if you prefer not donating online.

• 3

  Gather all items you're willing to donate to children. These can include clothing, shoes, educational materials and toys. Clean the items and place them in secure plastic bags or boxes. Drop the items off at the organization's local chapter or at their donation bin or ship the items to the organization's official address. Keep in mind that some organizations accept donated materials at locations separate from their main offices. Visit the organization's website to learn where to ship donations.

• 4

  Sponsor a needy child online through a reputable children's charity such as Feed the Children. Through many of these organizations you can provide a needy child with food, an education and medical care for a small monthly contribution. Visit their websites for information.

• 5

  Donate your time by volunteering to help a children's charity. Contact the organization to schedule a specific time to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include janitorial or clerk duties, teaching or playing with needy children or stocking shelves or pantries with food or donated items.