Charity Giving This Holiday Season
Do the right thing.
This holiday season, giving back is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s food insecurity, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, education or arts programming for kids, there is a need for support. In that spirit— and in the spirit of the season— I’ve asked some of my favorite New Yorkers about the charities and organizations that are close to their hearts. So, let’s all be inspired by these inspiring people this giving season.
Rafe Totengco
“I will be supporting It Gets Better Project. Growing up I had no role models and was often bullied in school. The next generation of LGBTQ need the support, exposure and open lines of communication to know that they’re not alone and to reassure them that it does get better.”
Bonnie Morrison
“The Doe Fund provides services to engage, employ and empower men attempting to rebound from addiction, homelessness or incarceration. They’ve been addressing some of the issues we’re starting to talk about nationally for decades and currently have 28,000 graduates of their programs. Supporting them is great way for New Yorkers not just to invest locally but to invest in people.”
Hilton Als
“The Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council Inc. This charity helps with the education and well-being of LGBTQ youth. I wish I’d had such a rich resource of history and safety when I was growing up.”
Garrett Swann
“I’m supporting The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the outreach, education, early intervention, support, and advocacy for all eating disorders. As there is a stigma around eating disorders nationwide, I am blown away by my best friend Johanna Kandel in her endeavor to save lives for those who struggle with ED. Celebrating their 20 years Anniversary this month, The Alliance has spoken to over 340,000 individuals and their tireless commitment to making a positive impact in the community.”
Colu Henry
“I'll be spending the holidays in Nova Scotia and have chosen to support Feed Nova Scotia this year. This incredible organization helps distribute an incredible amount of donated food to food banks and meal programs all across the province. In addition, they raise awareness regarding hunger and poverty throughout Nova Scotia. No one should ever go hungry.”
Karolina Kurkova
“My #MasksForAll project, Karolina Kurkova x Billie Blooms, has brought so much joy to my family and I. This initiative is so meaningful to me because I am able to use the resources I have gained throughout my career to help protect people in this pandemic. My team, family, and I have formed partnerships that positively affect so many different people with different needs, including families with food insecurities through Feeding America and children in under-resourced communities through Horizons National. We are so excited to do even more!”
Roopal Patel
“City Meals on Wheels. This is a wonderful organization helping to deliver meals and holiday cheer to our elderly neighbors in NYC. More than ever, it is so important to support the spirit, energy and health of our elders with everything happening.”
Timothy Brown
“The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club provides education and programming for disenfranchised youth in the Bronx. I’ve supported Kips Bay for many years— the work they do is so inspiring and so incredibly important.”
Thelma Golden
“Figure Skating in Harlem is dedicated to fostering confidence and leadership in young women based in Harlem. I believe deeply in Figure Skating in Harlem's mission. Figure Skating in Harlem remains the first and only organization of its kind in the world. Their unique and crucial programs promote sisterhood and health, and they serve as a strong foundation for girls. Not only does Figure Skating in Harlem support young women in their pursuit of sports & academic excellence, it also provides them with a platform to encourage well-being, sisterhood, and community.”
Tina Leung
“I've been working with God's Love for a few years now, because, as they say it best, food is love. Hoping to also be more involved with the World Food Programme. It hurts me to imagine anyone going hungry.”
Rachelle Hruska MacPherson
"I’m supporting Emerge and She Should Run. It’s so important to get women into politics!"
