How do you choose - there are so many good ones?

Just have you have really, whichever is close to your heart, or share an amount between home & abroad.

We support our local hospice which is in the process of relocation.

Our gym is raising money for a community defibrillator (we have one at the other end of village approx 2miles away) which I will contribute to.

Tend to stick to local smaller charities which are close to my heart.

I just keep telling myself that I can't help everyone who needs it, but try and make sure that I give my help wisely.

I support Mary's Meals because I think they have stayed true to their initial purpose - to feed children so that they can attend school and receive an education that improves their lives, while keeping costs to an absolute minimum. I support a local charity helping young people coming out of care because they continue to support them until ready to stand on their own feet.

It's a bit like the story of the beach where thousands of starfish were washed up. A man picked one up and threw it back, his companion said "that's not making much of a difference", he replied "it did to that one".

I support local charities too. Two local hospices, mostly, because I know then where all the money is used. The only other one is the Salvation Army.

I have a little girl in India a young man in Zimbabwe and I collect for Syria Relief, then any other disasters that take place, Sally Army at Christmas and volunteer for a children s hospice
You need to give to what is closest to your heart there are no rules if you like local charities or feel more drawn to the dire poverty in other countries it matters not a jot

I support the local charity where I volunteer. It's a small one but so important to the people who need it.
I also give to various larger charities on their big collection days. I try to always give to any collector who asks me.

Just the one. Guide Dogs. I no longer do Xmas gifts or cards and put the money saved to them. Mum was blind and I know the positive impact a dog has on the lives of individuals and their families.

Water Aid. My mother always gave to it too. Everyone in earth ought to have access to clean water.

Regularly to Guide dogs and Air Ambulance and a small charity that fundraises for a condition that my DGS has.
Otherwise random donations when I feel moved.

I have a monthly DD to local children's hospice.
There is a small local charity that collects food, clothing and small gifts for families in need, I donate to them and also volunteer.
I prefer to give to small charities.

I too donate (by DD) to Mary's Meals and Sightsavers and DEC when they have big appeals.
What I am finding frustrating is that charities now seem to be interested only in DD giving.
Several times I have gone to give a few pounds to a collector in a shopping centre only to be told that they no longer take one-off donations and are there only to sign people up for regular monthly donations.
It may be a more efficient way to fund a charity but they are missing out on many smaller donations.

I agree, small local charities are the way to go. The Salvation Army is an exception though.
Sense for blind/deaf people is a favourite of mine. I once worked with a member of their staff and she absolutely transformed life for a blind/deaf lady in a very short time.

My first GC was born with a very bad cleft lip and palate.
She has received wonderful treatment from the NHS so for many years I have given to the Smile Train for treatment for children in the third world who would be ostracized by their community and whose parents cannot fund treatment.
Salvation Army is my other favourite.

I support the local hospice shop by shopping there and often drop my change into the collection box. I also buy from Pdsa and do the same. At the minute I can't afford more but I do also take unwanted items to these shops from someone who would otherwise bin it, she is disabled and quite well off so I hope these things are as good as a bigger donation. In the past I have help fundraising coffee morning's for Macmillan and may do so in future

Children's hospice on a regular basis. I regularly but on an ad hoc basis give money to the domestic helper who works for my SIL in South Africa, and other individuals who cross my path and need financial help. I think that's being charitable.

We donate monthly to our local air ambulance. Occasionally Cancer research/heart research.
I won't give to overseas charities.

I have always supported a few local charities as well as the Air Ambulance. One has to draw the line somewhere I am afraid.
Then some years ago I read about Deki on GN. Through them I lent a modest amount to an African woman needing a sewing machine to set up a business to fund her childrens' food and schooling. You can lend as little as £10 to much more. When the full amount needed has been raised the entrepreneur works and repays the loan. I have been repaid and re-lent my initial amount (plus some extra donations) many times over.
www.deki.org.uk/how-deki-works/

"Mary's Meal's" for me too. I believe only 4% goes on admin costs, because they use volunteers. It's still based in Argll, where it first started, no fancy offices and high salaries.
It's a cause close to my heart. Feeding children and educating at the same time. A way out of poverty for them.

McMillan and the Blue Cross on a monthly basis and St John's Ambulance quarterly - I do give to some of the disaster funds and the Alzheimers periodically too.

We give to a local children's hospice. I have given £10 per month to the NSPCC and also £4 to the RNIB - I was pressured into that one by a phone call from them but hey ho it's a good cause.

I give regularly to several charities - and at Christmas send a one off donation to Crisis at Christmas. This year I've given to help children in Syria - many are ill, hungry and have lost their families. I agree with others, that you just have to give where your heart calls you - there is no other way I can think of to make the choice.

Small local charities and Barnardos and Salvation Army.

The easy choice is one national or local charity and one international charity.

I think you need to support a charity you feel strongly about but also where you can see your contribution is making a difference. Another good idea is to ask a local charity what they need and support that particular purchase