The holiday gift season commences with a season of giving. And, nonprofit organizations hope that the generosity of strangers will help keep them serving those who otherwise would be forgotten.
If you’re feeling generous with time, resources or both, here are worthy recipients that would be truly grateful.
The Joy Bus
Founded by award-winning chef Jennifer Caraway, this meal delivery nonprofit services cancer patients left to fend for themselves during this turning point in their lives. The Joy Bus helps ease their burden by providing healthy meals made to meet recipients’ needs, which are delivered by volunteers who are often cancer survivors themselves, and who provide a friendly face and open ear. TheJoyBusDiner.com
One Step Beyond
Inspired by one family’s need to provide a program for their daughter and many of her peers who had intellectual disabilities, this organization allows its participants to experience opportunities to grow in skills, personal relationships, and inclusion in their community. What started with 16 participants in a single neighborhood location in 2003 has now grown to answer the needs of more than 700 individuals in four locations with a comprehensive offering of employment, culinary, life skills, and health and fitness programming. OSBI.org
Desert Tails Rescue
This no-kill shelter specializes in finding second-chance pups—most who faced euthanasia at a pound before being taken in—their "furever" homes. The 7,000-square-foot facility also features grooming, dog training, and volunteer opportunities. DesertTailsShelter.org
Devereux Arizona
More than 4,000 individuals with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive differences each year across the state benefit from Devereux’s vast array of services created to inspire hope, ensure well-being, and promote meaningful life choices. These include residential treatment, a private school, outpatient services, integrated care services, prevention programs, respite services, autism services, and therapeutic foster care. Devereux.org
Got Legs Furniture and Décor
Owned and operated by Bridging AZ Furniture Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving at-risk, low-income families and veterans, this nonprofit furniture store sells high-quality, gently used items with 100% of the proceeds supporting local Arizona families and veterans transitioning from chronic homelessness. GotLegs.org
McDowell Sonoran Conservatory
This steward of the more than 30,500 acres of Sonoran desert habitat, this organization preserves and advances natural open space through science, education, and stewardship. The result is a culture that ensures, preserves, and values natural open spaces for all to enjoy. McDowellSonoran.org
Kid in the Corner
This grassroots organization was started by a family who lost their son to suicide after a long battle with mental illness. The effort is to help other youths to avoid this path through education, awareness, kindness, and community connectedness. KidInTheCorner.org
Scottsdale Artists’ School
Since 1983, the school has provided fine art education to all ages and skill levels with a variety of diverse programs. Innovative outreach and partnership programming includes hands-on workshops, art demonstrations, lectures, and also partnerships with organizations that offer rehabilitation services for children and adults, homeless and abuse shelters, and more. ScottsdaleArtSchool.org
Every Kid Counts
Founded on the principles of providing education, sports, and after-school activities for the betterment of the community’s children, Every Kid Counts utilizes its partnerships, volunteers, and sponsors to help youth achieve a better way of life free from the abuses of drugs and alcohol and violence. EveryKidCounts.org
Desert Stages Theatre
Since 1995, this award-winning, nonprofit, live performing arts theatre located at Scottsdale Fashion Square has been committed to offering high-quality entertainment for the entire community while providing valuable theatrical training and performing experiences to young aspiring actors. Through musicals and plays with both adult and youth theater, Desert Stages imparts a creative and inclusive environment where actors can learn, grow and thrive. DesertStages.org
