Women tend to put others first — a trait that extends to charitable giving.
Not only do they give more; research shows that they give differently. They contribute more often and align their contributions with their deeply held values. You’ll find them rolling up their sleeves to support local food banks, mentor youth, invest in others’ wellbeing or volunteer at community events. Anywhere you look, they are showing up, stepping in and giving generously of their time, talent and money.
In fact, roughly 67% of U.S. donors are female, meaning women make up a sizable majority of those giving to charity. And when a woman’s income increases, according to the data, higher household giving results.
While women may lead the way in giving, the causes they care about remain under-funded. For instance, women and girls’ organizations nationwide received $10.2 billion in 2021 — representing only about 1.9% of all charitable giving.
Here in South Mississippi, this presents both a problem and an opportunity. Women can channel their generosity toward causes that create stronger families and communities.
Here are three worthy organizations that are making a lasting difference for women and children every day.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The St Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church serves the poor and unsheltered in West Biloxi and is anchored in friendship, spirituality, and service. This mission heavily impacts certain demographics, as data show that 28% of Mississippi children are in poverty and 40% of the sheltered homeless population is female.
A group of 64 volunteers tends to a variety of needs. Caseworkers meet with those who are facing crises like eviction or utility disconnection, and the homeless receive services such as showers, laundry, mail and lunch.
A group of pantry volunteers prepares food bags that generally include meats, produce, dairy, bread, canned goods, and other miscellaneous items. Volunteers in the clothes closet have organized donations into a makeshift “department store” for people to pick out the items they need.
“And the needs are constant,” says society president Susan Taylor. “Jesus did say the poor would always be with us, and we can attest to that fact every day.”
According to Taylor, what distinguishes the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society is the desire to be the hands and feet of Christ.
“Oftentimes a prayer will be said with those seeking assistance, or quiet conversation to understand the difficult journeys that people are experiencing and be a source of hope to them and their families,” Taylor says.
How you can help: Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 4098, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39535, can be made through the SVDP Council of Biloxi website (svdpbiloxi.org).
THE GULF COAST CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE
The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence helps women and children heal and rebuild their lives in the wake of trauma and abuse. It provides a safe, nurturing environment by offering shelter, housing, counseling, civil legal services, advocacy and educational programs to survivors of interpersonal violence.
“Over the past 12 months, we have served 2,384 women and 463 children across all programs,” says CEO Stacey Riley. “Each month, we provide safe shelter for an average of 80 adults and 40 children, stable housing for 75 households, legal advocacy for 100 survivors in court, civil legal assistance for 25 survivors and counseling services for 100 adults and children.”
In October, the Center launched the new Waypoint Forensic Clinic within its Family Justice Center, offering free medical exams and forensic evidence collection (including advanced imaging technology) for survivors of sexual assault and strangulation.
“This is a first-in-state type of service in Mississippi,” Riley says.
How you can help: According to Riley, the Center’s biggest needs include support to change social norms surrounding violence and promote healthy, respectful relationships. People also can help by contributing to the nonprofit’s Adopt-A-Family holiday program, donating essential goods or financial resources and partnering with the Center to raise awareness and create lasting change.
ELIJAH’S CLOSET
Elijah’s Closet provides critical items to kids in foster care and those susceptible to going into foster care — everything from clothing, shoes and beds to baby items and hygiene products.
“With our focus being on prevention, we pride ourselves on having a direct effect on the reduction of the number of children in foster care,” says co-founder and executive director Nikki Williams.
The nonprofit partners with around 24 agencies, who refer children and families in need. Williams estimates that Elijah’s Closet helps anywhere from 70 to130 children a month.
“We have assisted around 1,000 children this year,” she adds. “And since we started keeping data in 2019, we have assisted a total of around 5,600 children to date.”
How you can help: According to Williams, the nonprofit’s biggest needs are monetary, and financial contributions help cover overhead expenses and keep operations going. Donations of new or gently used items including clothing, shoes, beds, hygiene products, baby items, home décor, and kitchen and bath supplies also are appreciated. Please note that only new socks and underwear are accepted. To learn more, visit elijahscloset.org.