Charities we support
Giving is the most important act any of us can do. Utilizing our time and/or resources, we can all do our part to better mankind and protect our planet. And when we work together, we can accomplish even more! As Queen Elizabeth II said, “Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.”
We are frequently asked which charities we support and why. Below you’ll find a list of amazing organizations that change the world in powerful ways, one ordinary miracle at a time.
Live well,
Jathan & Heather
AARP Foundation
aarp.org/aarp-foundation/
AARP Foundation aims to improve opportunities for struggling Americans aged 50 and older by addressing key issues like housing, hunger, income, and isolation. They tackle these challenges through coordinated efforts and strong legal support, focusing on the specific needs of this age group. The Foundation collaborates with local organizations to help more people, build stronger communities, and use resources effectively. AARP Foundation is the charitable arm of AARP.
Best Friends Animal Society
bestfriends.org
Decades ago, when we began our radio work, we aimed to find homes for adopted animals. Through community programs and partnerships, Best Friends Animal Society works to end the killing of animals in American shelters and to ensure that no pets are homeless.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
bbbs.org
Founded over 100 years ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest mentoring organization in America. Today, community volunteers provide one-on-one support to help children build confidence, reduce risky behavior, and aspire to big dreams.
Buttonwood Park Zoo
bpzoo.org
Founded in 1894, Buttonwood Park Zoo is the 12th oldest zoo in the U.S. and is recognized as “one of the finest small zoos in the United States” by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo participates in conservation and research projects for endangered species worldwide. The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society also funds educational programs and community family events.
Cal Farley Boys Ranch
calfarley.org
For almost 80 years, Cal Farley has provided hope for at-risk children aged 5 to 18 by meeting their six basic needs—safety, belonging, achievement, power, purpose, and adventure. Located northwest of Amarillo, Texas, its main campus helps children from all over the country build healthy family relationships.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
cincinnatizoo.org
Founded in 1873, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in the U.S. It offers more than just entertainment. The zoo provides adventures, shares information, and helps protect nature through its conservation center and successful breeding program that started in the 1880s.
Harvest Regional Food Bank
harvestregionalfoodbank.org
Harvest Regional Food Bank collects food from local drives and businesses to help fight hunger in 10 counties in southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas. They also hold fundraising events like the Taste of Texarkana every fall.
National Parks Conservation Association
npca.org
From Yellowstone to the Cape Cod National Seashore, these parks protect beautiful places and habitats for many plants and animals. However, lack of funding has led to a backlog of repairs and maintenance in our national parks. That’s why NPCA raises funds to restore these vital resources for the future.
National Park Foundation
nationalparks.org
We love our national parks and want to protect them for future generations. That’s why we support the National Parks Foundation, which works to help all of America’s national parks thrive and impact many lives. Together, we can preserve the history and beauty of these special places.
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”—Maya Angelou
The Nature Conservancy
nature.org
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a leading organization focused on conserving land and water. With over 600 scientists in 69 countries, they collaborate with individuals, governments, nonprofits, and businesses to protect our planet. We enjoy visiting the sites they safeguard, such as the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve in New Mexico and the Sandy Neck Preserve in Massachusetts.
North Texas Food Bank
ntfb.org
Founded in 1982 in Plano, Texas, the North Texas Food Bank provides food through nearly 1,000 feeding programs and 262 partner agencies across 13 North Texas counties. It helps meet the nutritional needs of children, seniors, and families through education, advocacy, and partnerships. Today, it is a certified member of the Feeding America Food Bank Network.
Oceana
oceana.org
Founded in 2001, Oceana has focused on protecting and restoring over one million square miles of ocean, a feat unmatched by any other organization. They aim to restore Earth’s oceans to their former vibrant and healthy state, which is essential for our survival, given that oceans cover 71 percent of the planet!
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
stjude.org
Danny Thomas founded St. Jude in 1962, believing that “no child should die in the dawn of life.” The hospital focuses on finding cures and preventing serious childhood diseases, sharing its research worldwide. Importantly, patients and their families never pay for treatment.
UNICEF USA
unicefusa.org
For over eighty years, UNICEF has created a global support system for children. They work tirelessly to provide essential services like health care, clean water, nutrition, and education. UNICEF USA helps promote this mission by encouraging Americans to support vulnerable children worldwide. Together, we have saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian group.
WGBH Educational Foundation
wgbh.org
WGBH Boston, which began broadcasting in 1951, enhances lives through educational and entertaining programs, promoting citizenship and cultural diversity. It operates eight broadcast platforms and provides a significant portion of public television’s prime-time content, including shows like Frontline, Nova, and Antiques Roadshow. Today, WGBH features multiple media channels and teaching tools utilized nationwide.
The Wilderness Society
wilderness.org
The Wilderness Society works to protect America’s wild places by addressing climate change, species extinction, and access to nature. We collaborate to develop conservation solutions and aim for fair public land access, resilient landscapes, and net zero carbon emissions from fossil fuels by 2030.
Is there a charity missing from our list that you think we should know about? Contact us and tell us about it! Be sure to let us know how to contact the organization and why it means so much to you!
“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.”—Henrik Ibsen