WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR HOLIDAY GIVING, consider what makes your community vibrant: the diversity of its people, the public media that sustains us, those working to stamp out hate, combat stereotypes and promote the love of our fellow man. There are many ills in our society, but we can help to correct them one donation or helping hand at a time. It’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as our own lives. And it’s especially important this December (and beyond), when so many people around us are facing insecurities. Read on for our guide to local charities who are worthy of your time and dollars.
Canine Companions
Year Created/Founded: Nationwide in 1975 | Orlando’s Southeast Region Campus in 2000
Mission Statement: To provide expertly trained service dogs at no cost to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings.
Who They Help: A diverse range of individuals whose lives are enhanced by the support of highly trained service and facility dogs.
Website: canine.org
Give the gift of purpose by sponsoring a future service dog. You can monitor its journey along the way. Calendars and books are also available to purchase for the holidays. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
This year, national nonprofit Canine Companions celebrates 50 years of placing service dogs. The first location, Santa Rosa, Calif., is still its headquarters, and there are five additional regional locations, including Orlando’s Southeast Training Center. Since its founding, more than 8,300 service dogs have been placed nationwide.
“Canine Companions plays a vital role in the Orlando community by enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through expertly trained service and facility dogs—all provided completely free of charge,” says Cathy Rodgers, executive director of Canine Companions Southeast Region. “Since opening the Southeast Region campus in Orlando in 2000, the organization has served individuals with more than 65 types of disabilities.”
Service dogs can help their people in a multitude of ways. Trained to perform tasks geared toward assisting those with physical disabilities lead more independent lives, service dogs can retrieve and deliver dropped items, tug open a drawer or door, pull a laundry basket and a lightweight manual wheelchair and turn lights on or off. Canine Companions’ Hearing Dog program teaches service dogs how to alert their person to sounds and noises in their environment. “This provides an added level of safety and awareness for those who are deaf or hard of hearing,” says Rodgers.
“Service dogs trained for our veterans’ program have the ability to sense and mitigate the symptoms of PTSD,” she adds. “This includes nightmare interruption and entering dark rooms to turn on lights before their handler enters among others.”
Each Canine Companions service dog represents an investment of $50,000 from birth through retirement. The organization uses labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and crosses of the two breeds because, as Rodgers notes, “These dogs are highly intelligent, have great temperaments and love to work.”
Since the dogs are placed at no charge to clients, the organization relies solely on donations from individuals, foundations and companies. It relies on volunteers to act as puppy raisers; puppies are with the raisers for 16-18 months before the canines go to professional training on the Southeast campus for six months. The animals are around two years old when they graduate as a service dog.
Canine Companions also plays an important advocacy role, says Rodgers, raising awareness about service dog rights and promoting public understanding of accessibility and inclusion.
“The organization’s ongoing presence and community involvement have created a ripple effect throughout Central Florida by educating the public, empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a stronger sense of compassion, inclusion and community,” says Rodgers.
Just in time for the holiday season, you can give puppies for Christmas! Sponsor a puppy ($20 donation each month for a year, or $240), purchase “Andy: A Dog’s Tale” hardcover children’s book ($19.95) or gift the 2026 Canine Companions Puppy Calendar ($25).
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Year Created/Founded: 1987
Mission Statement: To transform the lives of men, women and children by providing crucial programs and services to end their crisis of homelessness.
Who They Help: The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is a short-term residential shelter with a focus on housing, emergency services and diversion that helps families and individuals return to stable, permanent homes as quickly as possible.
Website: centralfloridahomeless.org
A few of the ways you can make a difference through the coalition is to become a donor to the Housing Heroes program and to sponsor a meal service. ©Coalition For The Homeless Of Central Florida
Last year, nearly 6,000 people turned to the Coalition of the Homeless of Central Florida for help. More than 2,800 of them are now in permanent housing.
“The Coalition is a cornerstone of compassion and stability in Central Florida,” says Trinette L. Nation, director of development for the coalition. “As the largest provider of homeless care services in the region, we address both the urgent needs of individuals and families struggling with homelessness, such as food and shelter, and the long-term solutions, including case management, job readiness and housing assistance.
“When our neighbors thrive, our entire community grows stronger,” adds Nation. “Our work strengthens the entire community by helping individuals and families regain independence and stability.”
The coalition’s success is driven by strong community partnerships that share its mission to transform lives and end homelessness. They’ve played an essential role in expanding shelter capacity, enhancing programs and strengthening community engagement, says Nation.
“Together, these partnerships make it possible to provide not only safe shelter and nutritious meals but also comprehensive services that help families and individuals rebuild their lives,” she adds.
There are many ways to make a difference through the coalition. Community members can show their support through monetary donations, becoming a monthly donor through the Housing Heroes program, sponsoring a meal service or organizing donation drives.
Currently, the coalition’s greatest needs include essential hygiene and clothing items such as razors, bar soap, deodorant, baby wipes, men’s underwear and work shoes. Only new items are accepted.
In the coming year, the coalition is focused on addressing the growing demand for shelter and supportive services as more individuals and families face housing instability.
“We’re committed to enhancing our current programs and services, deepening community partnerships and securing sustainable funding to meet the rising needs of those we serve,” says Nation.
Bike/Walk Central Florida
Year Created/Founded: 2010
Mission Statement: Bike/Walk Central Florida envisions a healthy, active and connected Central Florida where people safely walk, bike and roll for transportation and recreation. It aims to create a safer Central Florida.
Who They Help: Bike/Walk Central Florida helps people of all ages and abilities move safely through their communities, whether they walk, bike or roll.
Website: bikewalkcentralflorida.org
Becoming an advocate is a powerful way to help Bike/Walk Central Florida—share its messages on social media and talk to others about the importance of safer streets. ©Bike/Walk Central Florida
Bike/Walk Central Florida is working to make our communities more walkable, bikeable and livable. Through its Best Foot Forward program for pedestrian safety, it works with local governments, law enforcement and community partners to make streets safer by educating drivers to stop for people in marked crosswalks.
In addition, its youth safety education program teaches children essential skills like how to cross streets safely, ride or roll confidently, and wear helmets properly through fun, hands-on activities such as bike rodeos, helmet fittings and in-school presentations.
“Every person who walks, bikes or rolls has a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe, and that includes drivers, too,” says Anna Rutherford, marketing and communications manager for Bike/Walk. “Safety on our streets depends on everyone paying attention and sharing the road with care. That means being alert, following traffic laws and remaining visible to those around you. Always use marked crosswalks, look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.”
“For drivers, it’s just as important to slow down and stop for people in crosswalks,” Rutherford adds. “Safety is a shared responsibility, and when we all look out for one another, everyone gets home safely.”
Rather than focusing on one city as its model, Bike/Walk Central Florida looks at communities of all sizes, urban and rural, to understand and develop best practices to advance policy, planning and design that make streets safer and more people focused.
“Our collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, schools and regional partners to promote approaches that prioritize people over speed and create safer, more livable streets is at the center of what we do,” says Rutherford. “While our work follows U.S. guidelines and standards, we draw inspiration from successful examples from around the world, to build places where walking, biking and rolling are safe, comfortable and convenient everyday modes of transportation.”
“Through this collaborative approach,” she adds, “we’re helping Central Florida communities reimagine their streets as places where people come first, setting the stage for long-term change.”
Bike/Walk’s greatest needs are recurring donors, corporate sponsors and dedicated volunteers who can help them expand their reach and sustain their impact.
“Continued support allows us to grow our education and engagement initiatives, strengthen partnerships and reach more communities across Central Florida,” says Rutherford.
Becoming an advocate is another powerful way to help. Follow Bike/Walk on social media, share its messages and talk with friends, neighbors and local leaders about the importance of safer, more connected streets.
“Your voice helps drive change, from improving crosswalks to expanding trail networks and active transportation options,” says Rutherford.
Epilepsy Association of Central Florida
Year Created/Founded: 1962
Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life for people affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders.
Who They Help: The Epilepsy Association provides direct epilepsy-related medical care to the uninsured and financially disadvantaged living in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard Counties.
Website: epilepsyassociation.com
The need for volunteers is one of the most important to the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. When you offer your support, you help to dispel common misconceptions about seizure disorders.
“Epilepsy is misunderstood and has a stigma that harms those who suffer by keeping them isolated, scared and often depressed,” says David Manchon, executive director for the Epilepsy Association. “Our education and prevention program provides information about what epilepsy is, how it presents, who it affects, common misconceptions and how to prevent TBI (traumatic brain injury) that can lead to seizure disorders. We also provide seizure first aid training.”
According to Manchon, one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime and one in 10 people will experience a seizure.
In the coming year, it is most important for the Epilepsy Association to expand and diversify its funding from within the communities it serves to ensure those who qualify for its services connect with its care coordinators and receive the neurological care they need.
Manchon encourages people to get involved by participating in the Epilepsy Association’s community events, awareness walks and through volunteering; volunteers are among its greatest needs, along with advocates and medical and health care partnerships.
Most recently, the Epilepsy Association has built partnerships with Wayne Densch Charities, the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Acrisure Florida and the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
Crealdé School of Art
Year Created/Founded: 1975
Mission Statement: To stimulate the creative process inherent in each individual through hands-on education in the visual arts and to cultivate a lifelong aesthetic appreciation.
Who They Help: People of all artistic levels, including at-risk minority youth, those with disabilities and seniors.
Website: crealde.org
The Crealdé School of Art has engaged community members in the world of art through classes, gallery exhibitions, community programs and public art installations for decades. It celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Classes include drawing and painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, jewelry making, fiber arts and artistic enrichment for artists’ professional development.
Outside of the hands-on art classes, Crealdé’s Art is For Everyone program creates special public art projects using a wide variety of mediums to target at-risk teens and disadvantaged youth to create permanent art installations in participant’s neighborhoods, building a sense of community.
These public art projects include the Storytellers Teen Documentary Photography program, Neighborhood Pride Mural Projects and Monument Builders program.
In the last 10 years, Crealdé has had more than 50 successful community partnerships with local government and other not-for-profit organizations, including the City of Winter Park, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the Farmworkers Association of Florida and Tajiri School of Performing Arts, which have led to award-winning art classes, traveling exhibitions and permanent public art installations.
To volunteer, community members can apply to become ambassadors, gallery attendants, exhibit openers, youth classroom assistants or assist with festivals and landscaping on their campuses. Crealdé gives back to volunteers, providing free classes in exchange for hours worked.
Crealdé also accepts material and service donations.