NYC Charities: 'Tis the Season for Giving

I don't know about you, but all this talk of the economy has me feeling not at all in the holiday spirit. So I've turned off my tv and am making an effort to celebrate all I do have, and how even in tough times I can give a little. I am so blessed to live in the amazing New York City. Unfortunately, some out there are struggling. Here are some favorite places that help:

The Bowery Mission: probably one of the best known missions in town, they provide a ton of help to those in need. Programs range from shelter to food to educating men and women on how to get back on their feet.

Central Park Conservancy: to raise the spirit, sometimes there is nothing better than nature. This group keeps Central Park the gorgeous masterpiece it is.

City Harvest: rescues food to feed the hungry, and they'll arrange to pick up leftovers to distribute to New Yorkers who really need it.

God's Love We Deliver: improves the lives of children, women and men living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses by delivering delicious and nutritious meals.

Fresh Air Fund: this 130+ year old charity gives inner-city children the joy of a summer vacation. Be a host family or donate to help provide great memories for NYC children in need.

New York Times Neediest Cases: arguably the best paper in the world, the New York Times pays all administrative costs of this charity so that donations can go directly to troubled children, adults and the elderly, many of whom are profiled on its pages.

New York Cares: mobilizes New Yorkers into volunteerism. They also run a very successful coat drive to help keep New Yorkers in need warm.

New York Foundation for the Arts: provides NYC artists with financial assistance and publicity, and serves the artistic community with comprehensive info on employment opps, grants, and more.

North Shore Animal League: a great no-kill shelter and helps thousands of pets find new homes.

Robin Hood Foundation: targets and funds the best programs that alleviate poverty in the city to maximize their effectiveness.

And here are a few of my fav global groups that are worth supporting as well:

The Hunger Project: helps those in extreme poverty meet their basic needs and build a better life for their communities. Especially good at empowering women, this is an amazing, high-impact group.

Habitat for Humanity: builds homes for those who need them and a classic example of how to empower those less fortunate by providing permanent shelter.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: the nation's premier organization leading the fight against breast cancer, and the group behind the amazing Komen Race for the Cure. Go pink!

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: my grandmother had this debilitating disease, and this great group is making real strides in finding a cure.

There are many, many others that I am sure to have missed, but you can always find more at NYCharities.org. Feel free to add more in the comments section, and Happy Holidays all!