Twins with Tots: There is still time to give back: Reasons for giving this Holiday Season

This Holiday Season, here are some Giving Facts from the online site Charity Navigator -

51% of the organizations evaluated by Charity Navigator have accumulated at least a year's worth of working capital to fall back on during economic downturns, up 26% from two years before.
More than 13.3 million people—greater than the combined populations of New York City and Los Angeles—are in need of immediate assistance due to the food crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Donations to the nation's 400 biggest charities increased 3.5% in 2010. However, looking only at those charities that primarily depend on cash gifts, giving was virtually flat (up just 0.2%). And the modest increases do not make up for the 11% decline in 2009.
Retailers took in over $45 billion in sales during the four-day weekend surrounding Black Friday, 2010. Arts charities took in $13.28 billion in contributions for the entire year of 2010.
Even with the recent economic decline, over 50% of the organizations evaluated by Charity Navigator have increased their programs and services while also increasing their primary revenue.
Contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2011 count for 2011. This is true even if the credit card bill isn't paid until 2012. Also, checks count for 2011 as long as they are mailed in 2011 and clear, shortly thereafter.