Extending a helping hand

DEAR READERS: This year has been challenging even for the luckiest of us. The holiday season grants all of us the chance to reflect on our bounty - and offer others a hand.

I hope you, my generous readers, will join me again in digging deep to donate to people who need help and to support causes you believe in.

Here are some suggestions:

Save the Children, savethe children.org. This international charity's website features a gift catalog where you can contribute by purchasing items to donate to children.

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, holeinthewallcamps.org. Paul Newman founded this organization to provide fun, recreational and supportive camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions

Feeding America, feeding america.org. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 15 percent of American households were food insecure in 2009.

Meals on Wheels, mowaa.org. Donors can make a recurring gift through a regular automatic payment. Think of it as taking someone you love out for Sunday dinner.

Salvation Army, salvation armyusa.org. The Salvation Army maintains a presence in this country's neediest communities, providing food, shelter and clothing.

American Near East Refugee Aid, anera.org. This organization provides basic services - food, medicine, education and housing assistance - to people living in the refugee camps and settlements in the West Bank, Lebanon, Gaza and Jordan.

Physicians for Peace, physiciansforpeace.org. Physicians for Peace offers medical training and support to populations in desperate need around the world (including Haiti).

Refugees International, refugeesinternational.org. Refugees International advocates on behalf of displaced people around the world, shining a light on the plight of refugees.