One of the tips often offered for those who want to make their holiday gifts more meaningful and less materialistic is

“Donate to a charity instead of buying something”

as a family activity or as a gift in the name of a relative, friend or neighbor.

But Which charity? is often the sticking point. I’d donate, you say, but how do I know the money will be used the way I think it should? How do you know if the dollars will get to the intended recipients, and not get eaten up by fund-raising activities, office and administrative expenses (or even, goodness knows, bribes, payoffs and scams?)

Check a charity you are considering and see “the best” on Charity Navigator and Charity Watch.

But the best charitable contribution of all could be to the charity which operates your local thrift store. The shops are there to help you recycle and save, yes, but they are also there to raise money for their cause. Look for the non-profit shops in your area on HowToConsign.com’s Resale Shop Directory, where you see the red heart. Cash donations for their mission objective are always welcome.