Each year, we donate to a number of charities doing work that we believe in. Honestly, it's one of my favorite things we do all year.

I'm not just saying that, and science has my back on this; giving makes us significantly happier than receiving. I share this tiny bit of psychology and also announce our donations, in an effort to try and inspire you to do the same, if you can. I think it's important to add that these same studies show that the boost in happiness that comes with sharing or giving, is largely true across the board - no matter our income level or how much we have to give.

Here's where we donated this year:

• $1000 to InterAction to eliminate extreme poverty and vulnerability, strengthen human rights, & safeguard a sustainable planet.
• $1000 to a local Boys and Girls Club whose mission is to "enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens".
• $1000 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to Americans affected by mental illness, providing "advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives".
• $1000 to YouthCare for at-risk/homeless youth in Seattle, to help them navigate housing, employment, shelter and education.
• $1000 to Rose Foundation  for "a future where nature is protected, people’s rights are ensured, and environmental justice is advanced, and where these three values are deeply interconnected."
• $1000 to a local non profit 4-8th grade girls basketball club that is based on engagement/involvement, and not tryouts with cuts based on athletic performance. Girls sports are consistently & grossly underfunded in our area - this is a trend in many communities (support your local girls youth sports, if you can!). I played on these teams as a child and their benefit went well beyond the court.
• $1000 to Heifer International to strengthen communities by "teaching people how to use environmentally-friendly farming methods, create and operate businesses, and support their communities with their knowledge".
• $1000 to Charity: Water for clean & safe drinking water to people in developing nations

We use Charity Navigator to screen charities that we donate to, to be sure that funds are being used responsibly and as promised.

We are so proud of this community & hope that you take a minute to realize that because of you we were able to give back to local, national & global communities for good causes. Anything good that happens here, we have done together. Thank you!

Sincerely, 

Kelli and Daniel