6 Organizations to Donate to for International Day of Charity 2016

With September just around the corner, many people are getting ready for the weather to cool down, the changing of the leaves, and the “Back-to-School” season. But Labor Day is not the only holiday to look forward to in September; the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death, September 5^th, has been designated as the International Day of Charity by the UN. So whether you’re looking for a charity to give Sadaqah to, or you’re just in a generous mood, here are a few organizations that have done amazing work with the donations they are given.

1. United Muslim Relief

UMR’s mission is to provide “access to clean water, to healthcare, to earn a sustainable livelihood and to have access to basic social services” regardless of race and religion. They specialize in emergency services in countries experiencing humanitarian crises such as Yemen, Syria, and Gaza by delivering medical supplies, clean water, and shelter. UMR has also done work supporting education for girls in Pakistan and refugees living in Jordan.

2. Defense for Children International (Palestine Section)

Since 1991, the DCIP has functioned as a human rights organization for Palestinian children. Members of this organization dedicate their time to “investigating and documenting grave human rights violations, holding both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to account, and providing legal services to children in urgent need.”

3. Islamic Relief

For over 20 years, Islamic Relief has worked hard to fight poverty all over the world. Valuing community empowerment and social justice, this organization has been recognized by the UN for its outstanding work in the Middle East. Their most notable achievements include “[improving] the lives of Palestine refugees living in the Gaza Strip in the wake of the 2014 summer conflict,” as well as providing water, health care, education, and emergency services to countries in need from Pakistan to Yemen to Syria.

4. Dubai Charity Association

The association initially aimed to support orphans in the United Arab Emirates, but eventually grew to encompass projects involving the betterment of disadvantaged Muslims in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Currently, the DCA uses its resources to fund schools, mosques, and community events such as Iftar dinners.

5. Direct Aid

As a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Direct Aid has spent the past three decades distributing over half a million tons of “medical aid, food and clothing” to those in need living in African countries. The NGO is based in Kuwait and focuses on providing education to children.

6. Dar Al Ber Society

This society is involved in a wide variety of projects, which include building wells, houses, hospitals, and schools, and is focused on supporting underprivileged parts of the UAE. Since it was first formed in 1978, the society has “helped more than 80,000 families and has undertaken 30,000 projects in the last four years alone.”