There are over 1.5 million children living in the state of Virginia that could use our support. While Virginia ranks among the top 10 states for child well-being, there are still many kids facing challenges like poverty, hunger, illness, abuse, and homelessness. Fortunately, there are many great children’s charities in Virginia working to support the health, education, and general welfare of kids in need.
In this article, we’ll highlight some highly-rated Virginia children’s charities you can donate to and make a real difference in young lives. We’ll provide an overview of each charity, the issues they address, and their impact in local communities. Read on to find trusted organizations helping Virginia’s youth build brighter futures through the generosity of donors like you.
Typical Needs Facing Virginia’s Children
Here are some of the most pressing issues facing Virginia’s children that local charities aim to address with our help:
- Poverty - 10% of kids live below the poverty line, putting them at risk for hunger, instability, and health problems.
- Food Insecurity - 200,000 kids lack consistent access to enough healthy food.
- Homelessness - Over 5,000 K-12 students in Virginia experienced homelessness in 2020.
- Illness - Thousands of kids have serious health conditions and disabilities needing assistance.
- Child Abuse & Neglect - Over 17,000 children are reported abused or neglected annually in VA.
- Education Access - Many students lack resources to succeed academically and pursue higher education.
Donations allow local organizations to provide programs and services to help kids overcome these challenges.
Standout Virginia Children's Charities
Here are some highly-rated Virginia children's charities making a big local impact:
Feeding America Southwest Virginia With a mission to eliminate hunger, this food bank distributes over 20 million meals to those in need across 34 counties and cities. They operate kid-focused programs like the Afterschool Meals Program and Backpacks for Kids.
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Combining youth education with pet adoption, Homeward Trails works with over 1,000 Virginia students to teach empathy, respect, and care for animals. Their programs empower kids through hands-on animal rescue work.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond This afterschool program provides safe, enriching environments for at-risk youth ages 5-18 to support their education, health, leadership, and community involvement. They serve 2,000 kids daily with clubs in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Petersburg.
CASA for Children Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers work one-on-one with children in Virginia’s foster care system who have experienced abuse and neglect. They help kids navigate the legal system and advocate for their needs.
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
Grants wish for kids aged 2 1⁄2 to 18 battling critical illnesses in Central and Eastern Virginia. Wishes give children hope, strength, and joy during difficult times.
Richmond Children’s Hospital Foundation Funds healthcare, research, education, and other services at the Children’s Hospital at VCU to help seriously ill and injured youth across Virginia thrive and overcome health challenges.
How You Can Help Local Kids
Every dollar donated to these trusted children’s charities makes a tangible difference right in your Virginia community. Here are some ways you can help:
- Make a general monetary donation to the charity of your choice. Recurring monthly gifts provide a reliable source of support.
- Donate items on the organization’s wish lists like art supplies, toys, or basic needs items.
- Volunteer your time and talents to work directly with youth they serve.
- Support fundraisers, campaigns, and events.
- Increase awareness for the group by following them on social media and sharing posts.
- Encourage kids to get involved through school or community drives.
Even small acts of generosity contribute to the larger efforts of Virginia children's charities to enact positive change. Together, we can ensure the next generation has the resources they need to thrive.
RMHC of Norfolk
One of the most important contributions of RMHC of Norfolk is providing a home away from home for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia. RMHC of Norfolk operates a 20-bedroom house that is located just steps away from the hospital, where families can stay for little or no cost. The house offers amenities such as a kitchen, laundry room, living room, playroom, and a backyard. The house also provides meals, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials for the families. By staying at the house, families can be close to their children and participate in their care, as well as receive support from other families and staff.
RMHC of Norfolk also offers a Day Use Program for families who are not staying at the house, but have children in the hospital. The program allows families to use the facilities and services of the house during the day, such as Wi-Fi, laundry, kitchen, and food. The program gives families a respite from the hospital environment and helps them cope with the stress and challenges of having a sick child.
In addition to providing housing and support for families, RMHC of Norfolk also engages in various programs and events to raise awareness and funds for its mission. Some of these include red shoes at the zoo, golf tournaments, wine tasting, and online fundraisers². RMHC of Norfolk also partners with other organizations and businesses in the community to receive donations and volunteers³.
RMHC of Norfolk is part of a global network of RMHC chapters that serve millions of families around the world. RMHC of Norfolk is one of the oldest and most established chapters in Virginia, having been founded in 1981. Since then, it has served more than 25,000 families from all over Virginia and beyond. RMHC of Norfolk is a vital resource for families who need a place to stay when their children are hospitalized. By keeping families close to their children and providing them with comfort and care, RMHC of Norfolk helps improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
Support Local Kids in Need
Childhood can be a fragile time filled with wonder and joy, but also uncertainty and adversity for many Virginia youth. Local children’s charities provide critical stability, education, healthcare and hope to kids facing serious challenges. So, donate to the children’s charities in Virginia, By contributing what we can, whether money, gifts, time, or awareness, we allow these organizations to uplift and empower vulnerable children. Help plant the seeds today for growth, safety, and promise for all of Virginia’s youth.
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