America is the richest country in the world. It is also one of the most giving with donations to charities equaling billions of dollars each year. Donations to charities are made in the form of money, goods and services and help millions in need domestically and around the world.

This giving is built into the culture and is one of the things we take the most proud in for being American. The need for this giving has never been greater as many continue to struggle from the recession a decade ago and cannot get a firm footing on their lives even now. So Americans need to continue to give at record levels. Here are some of the types of charities that need lots of help.

Veterans

It is common knowledge that veterans always have a more difficult time than the rest of society. This is partially due to the tremendously difficult military situations that experience when they are enlisted and then having to try and readjust to society while often still having these mental and physical challenges. These heroes risk their lives to insure the safety and security of the rest of us and so it is our responsibility to assist them in any way possible. And there are many ways that need assistance today. From high levels of homelessness to not having the proper food and medical care, there is a range of areas where good Samaritans can assist. There have been those who have started non-profits that focus on specific veteran issues like Meredith Iler, who is charwoman of Houston Texas based Helping a Hero, a non-profit that puts wounded veterans in homes specially equipped to allow them to function independently in spite of their injuries. Non-profits like Helping a Hero show what dedicated Americans can do when they commit to a cause.  There are many charities around that provide great assistance to veterans. So if you have an interest, you can look locally or nationally to find one that excites you.

Homelessness

Homelessness is a huge and nagging problem in the United States and the US government has worked for decades to try and combat it by providing government assistance to the homeless. But if you go to any big or medium sized city in the US you fill find areas where there are homeless people in abundance. Why there is so many is a complicated issue but what is important is that they get assistance so they can live quality lives and get a constant roof over their heads. Many of the homeless are mentally ill and need to be housed in facilities where they can be treated. Many more are addicted to alcohol or drugs and needed treatment at facilities that can help them get back on their feet.

Here again the government offers many of these facilities but it is the non-profits often run by church groups that fill in many of the gaps left by the holes in federal and state funding. Charities like Los Angeles’ Midnight Mission has been feeding and housing homeless people since 1914 and they continue to be a vital resource to the city of LA. In spite of what many believe, a large amount of the people that depend on non-profits for housing are not alcohol or drug addicts, they are families that have been uprooted because of being overwhelmed by negative circumstances.

The amount you give or the service you provide is less important than you doing it because the need is so great. So do your research and find a non-profit that is doing good work, then call them up and ask how you can help. You might save a life.