Great idea. Here are two programs (domestic U.S. and international) that I heartily endorse:
1) Meals on Wheels - You'll have to Google Meals on Wheels to find your local chapter, but MoW is quite possibly one of the best local, community focused organizations in my opinion in the U.S. If you're not familiar, MoW provides meals (typically two a day) to home bound elderly. In addition to meals for the senior shut-ins, many MoW organizations provide food for the elderly's pets, and schedule pet help like vet trips and even dog walking. A lot of the local chapters offer really flexible volunteering schedules (as little as one hour a week doing things like sorting pet food), and all always happily accept donations (whatever you can give, even if it's $5). A very worthy cause, for sure.
2)
Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) - Incredible international aid organization, MSF can be found providing care in the world's most dangerous places, to the world's most overlooked and needy communities. You can volunteer, but I think most would feel comfortable donating - over 80% of donations go toward program services, so you know your money is going toward helping people and not padding some executive's salary. And, if they meet their fundraising goal for a particular crisis (you can select which programs you'd like your money to support) as they did with the recent tsunami disaster, they'll advertise the fact and advise you to either donate to their general fund or another crisis (for instance, Sudan).
Of course, another thought if you are looking for hands-on volunteer work, check with local schools and see if there is anything you can do to help. Many schools lack chaperones for school trips, or classroom assistants. Some schools would even be interested in having you come and speak about your career (a little thing that can go a long way), and I know that donations of school supplies are often welcome.
Hope this helps and good luck with the volunteering/donating!
Edited to add: I have an aquaintence that is raising money to help fight cancer by hiking a section of the Grand Canyon. She's raising money using Active.com's
Active Giving. From what I understand it's fairly easy to set up a fundraising endeavor using this system, although I can't personally vouch for it because I haven't used it. But, it might be worth looking into if you're looking for a unique way to raise money for a good cause.
Edited by: EasierSaid at: 2/17/05 4:05 pm