Chrissy Weems Congratulates Non-Profits on Continuing to Make a Difference Despite Economic Challenges

PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) An article featured on The Huffington Post detailed a report of the top 100 charities in the country. The recently released information caught the attention of Chrissy Weems, an active volunteer who has served on a number of projects at the local and national levels.

According to the NonProfit Times report featured in the write-up, the YMCA is the nation's top charity in terms of dollars. Following in a close race between second and third were Goodwill Industries and Catholic Charities, respectively. Rounding out the top five were the United Way in fourth followed by American Red Cross in fifth place.

In response to the economic downturn of recent years, a number of charities have turned to innovative means to bring in funds. The article reports some have added charges for museum parking, while others have added ancillary services.

According to the article, the Giving USA Foundation, along with collaborative partner the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, reported donations from private citizens were the source of 73 percent of donations in the past year. This may come to a surprise to many who subscribe the popular belief that large foundations and corporations provide the bulk of charitable funds.

Chrissy Weems praised the continued donations. In a statement to the press, she commented: "What a tremendous accomplishment! The fact that nonprofits have continued to grow despite the economic circumstances is simply amazing. What an incredible testimony to the good nature and good will of donors."

A number of charities dropped off the list to make way for newcomers. The article reports on of the first-time organizations to make the list was the George W. Bush's Presidential Foundation. It just barely made it into the 99th spot. Organizations that responded to timely events, such as the 2010 earthquake that rocked Haiti and the United States Olympic Committee fell off the list from their places one year prior.

For the most part, nonprofit organizations have had their work cut out for them to survive in lean economic times. Waning support from the government as well as diminishing funds availability among donors has not helped their causes. Yet as the piece points out, most have found ways to continue to serve.

ABOUT:

Chrissy Weems is an artist and entrepreneur who lives with her spouse and children in Chandler, Arizona. Dedicated to a life of service, she has organized volunteer efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, supported numerous initiatives in her church community, and sat on domestic violence prevention and environmental committees for the city of Chandler. Christian has also enjoyed volunteering as an art masterpiece program teacher in her children's classrooms.

Website: www.chrissyweems.org