Are you still struggling to get your holiday shopping finished? Have someone to buy for but have no idea what to get them? Need to give a present to someone who has everything?
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Then consider giving the gift of giving by donating to a worthy charity or organization in someone’s name. There are so many amazing causes out there—too many to list—but here is a list of just some of the organizations that are related to the criminal justice careers and other professions/degrees outlined on the CJIS site. Maybe they will remind you or help guide you to search for other commendable charities, either in your region or those that are national/international. If the group you choose to donate to doesn’t offer the option of donating as a gift (in someone else’s name) you can always get creative, and make your own “certificate of giving” for that special someone.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is an amazing organization that provides support in emergency management scenarios. “The Red Cross responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions”, states its website. It also provides support internationally, assists American military families and of course supplies lifesaving blood. Just recently, the American Red Cross has been providing support to the families affected by the shooting in Newton, Connecticut. You can either make a financial donation or choose a gift from its holiday catalogue.
Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is a national, registered charity. “Its primary function is to preserve and support the surviving families of Correctional Officers who lose their lives in pursuit of their chosen profession of protecting the public from those remanded to correctional custody and supervision in the nation’s prisons and jails,” states its website. This non-profit organization also provides scholarship opportunities. You can either visit the national website to find out about sponsorship opportunities (a hugely generous gift) or contact the national or your state’s branch to find out how to make a donation.
Youth at Risk Charities
You may wish to make a donation to an organization that helps youth avoid or get out of a potential life of crime. Fortunately there are numerous organizations across the country that have this important aim. Examples include Youth At Risk in New York City and California Police Youth Charities.
American Bar Association’s Fund for Justice and Education
The American Bar Association’s Fund for Justice and Education program supports and provides legal services, educational funding/opportunities and more to vulnerable populations, from homeless veterans to low-income individuals and the elderly. You can make a general donation or choose to support a particular project.