forgotten children's fund -- I always try to donate to children's charities. These guys buy toys for needy kids who would normally get nothing during the holidays. They're 100% volunteer-based, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. Incidently, they are always looking for volunteers around christmas to drive around and help wrap and deliver presents, which is a good way to help out if you got no cash. They are also local.
Downtown Emergency Service Center -- I volunteered at one of their shelters last year and was really impressed with their permanant housing programs and outreach. Also local.
ACLU of Washington Foundation -- The ACLU Foundation engages in litigation and education programs, and donations to the foundation are tax-deductible, unlike the ACLU (which engages in lobbying and whose donations are not tax-deductible).
I am interested in learning more about the Downtown Emergancy Svcs gig. Do you have a contact there whom I could speak to? If so, would you mind PMing me the info?
Thanks.