Favorite Charities

This weeks, "Show us Your Life" topic is favorite charities.
My favorite is March of Dimes. My sister has Down Syndrome and was born 3 months early. We did a lot with the organization when she was younger. I have multiple bears from donating at my bank and really believe in what they do.
My other favorites are anything that will help a local cause where I know the money will be used to benefit what it's supposed to. I would much rather give my money to a local car wash, dog shelter, salvation army santa or bake sale than send it somewhere, to people I don't know.
HSUS is a perfect example of the misrepresentation that can occur with people's money when they donate to "charity."
Give me a bunch of kids wanting to sell me cookies or wash my truck any day and I'll donate to their cause almost every time!