By Police1 Staff
You’ve made it through yet another Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Small Business Saturday was a way to support local community stores. But have you heard of Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 in response to the commercialization and consumerism post-Thanksgiving.
Even if you don’t make a donation on #GivingTuesday, donations to these worthy first responder charities are always appreciated. When making a donation, be aware that there are scams. A good tip for donating is to never give over the phone and, when in doubt, give locally.
Here’s a list of 10 first responder-specific charities (in no particular order). Download the list as an infographic to share with your friends and help spread the word about the great work these charities do.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
This is likely the organization you’re most familiar with and really needs no introduction. The NLEOMF is a fantastic organization that’s been shedding light on the sacrifice of American LEOs since 1984 and relies on donations to operate. Donate here.
Companions for Heroes
C4H pairs companion animals with first responders and military personnel recovering from PTSD and other serious challenges suffered during the course of their public service. We have highlighted the great work the organization is doing as part of our “Quiet Warrior” program. Donate here.
First Responders Children’s Foundation
The foundation works with families across the country, including police, fire, Forest Service, Border Patrol, EMS and all other forms of responders. They help provide college scholarships to children whose first responders’ parents have either died in the line of duty or have become permanently disabled due to their line of work. Donate here.
Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
The foundation, named after firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11, helps ease the financial burden of fallen responders’ families by paying off their mortgages or creating trust accounts. All donations go directly to fund this initiative.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
Through donations, the foundation helps provide much-needed equipment and resources to first responder and public safety organizations. In 2016, they were able to give 357 sets of bunker gear, 1,469 AEDs, 42 extrication tools and 83 ballistic vests. Donate here.
Concerns of Police Survivors
C.O.P.S. provides resources to families and colleagues of police officers killed in the line of duty, including peer support, a reimbursement program for kids counseling, and school scholarships. Donate here.
The Gary Sinise Foundation
The actor perhaps most famous for his role as “Lt. Dan” in Forrest Gump has been doing great work supporting members of our military for years, but did you know his foundation also supports first responders? Its First Responders Outreach program provides equipment and training to police, fire, and EMS services. Donate here.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation
Big Ben’s foundation is primarily focused on support for K-9 units and service dogs, providing grants to police and fire department canine units for a range of needs, including additional dogs, K-9 safety gear and training equipment. Donate here.
Cops 4 Causes
Cops 4 Causes is an organization that collectively highlights philanthropic efforts of law enforcement, including aiding the families of fallen LEOs, wounded warriors, and youth engagement initiatives. Donate here.
Operation Gratitude
This organization sends care packages to military personnel, veterans and first responders as a thank you to all of those who have bravely served our country. Donate here.
This article, originally published Nov. 28, 2017, has been updated with current information.
Download the infographic below.