It’s charitable giving time

In the United States, at least, the end of each year is an important time for giving to charities, causes, and non-profit organizations.  Not merely because, at Christmas time, giving is in the air, but because of the tax laws.

There are innumerable worthy causes.

In response to absolutely no public demand whatever, though, here are three tax-exempt organizations (beyond the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its various funds) in which my wife and I take particular interest, and which I want to commend to your attention:

1.  The Interpreter Foundation.  You can scarcely be surprised that I like this group.  And, while there are some malicious folks out there who like to suggest, on the basis of nothing more than sheer spite) that I’m profiting handsomely (and rather corruptly) from it, I’m not.  I’m permitted under the organization’s bylaws to take up to $500 annually for my services, but I’ve never taken so much as $0.01.  Rather, my wife and I are donors.

2.  The Liahona Children’s Foundation.  Please look over their website.  I like the fact that the mission of the Liahona Children’s Foundation is actually achievable.  Too often, we’re daunted by the sheer impossible magnitude of a charitable task — e.g., eliminate poverty, wipe out world hunger — and, since we can’t see how our insignificant little contribution will make much of a difference, we do nothing.  Not so, however, in this case.

3.  Operation Underground Railroad.  This is a remarkable undertaking.  And it has a strong Mormon connection in the person of Timothy Ballard.  Again, even small donations can make a real difference here.