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Holiday Charities: Where to Give This Season - The holidays can be a time of mass consumerism. But in the spirit of the season, take a moment to help those in need. BET.com offers a list of organizations that are giving back in good cheer. — Dorkys Ramos (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Toys for Tots - Through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, you can donate toys or money for children in need during the holiday season. To find a drop-off location near you, visit Toys for Tots. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Letters to Santa - Broaden your gift-giving reach by participating in the U.S. Postal Service's Letters to Santa program. The program collects letters from children around the country and gives their wish lists to generous volunteers who purchase gifts requested in the letter. To adopt a letter, visit your local USPS location during the first week of December. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Meals on Wheels - Prepare, package and deliver meals to home-bound senior citizens around your community through Meals on Wheels. If your local program provides congregate meals at a senior center, you can also help with meal service and other activities. (Photo: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

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Donate a Coat - The winter months can be especially brutal for homeless adults and children around America. To donate a bit of comfort and improve someone's life, visit One Warm Coat. (Photo: Courtesy One Warm Coat)

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Parties With a Purpose - The Twelve Days of Christmas organization plans six parties throughout the holiday season in various metro areas and collects specific items to distribute to families in need. An annual cocktail reception will take place on Dec. 10 in New York City and hopes to aid families affected by Hurricane Sandy. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Spend Time at an Animal Shelter - Share a little love with a shelter animal and you might find that you will receive just as much in return. The ASCPA offers tips on helping out at a local shelter or animal rescue organization. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

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GoodProspects - Give the gift of a brighter career through Goodwill's GoodProspects program, which gives people the opportunity to explore job options and grant them access to needed resources. (Photo: AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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Make a Blanket - If you’re into crafting your own gifts, squeeze in a blanket for a child rescued from an abusive home. You can knit, sew, quilt — or just purchase — a new blanket or stuff a duffle bag full of new memories for a child in need of a smile. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Get Creative - There are other ways to use your skills to give back this season. Call up a children's hospital to see if you can make and deliver cards for children who'll be staying in during the holidays. Gather friends who can carry a tune and sing carols at a soup kitchen. Or host a canned food or toy drive for your community school or church. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Donate Your Way - You can find a volunteer opportunity or charity that fits your interests through United Way and Just Give. To make sure your charity of choice is making the best use of donors' funds, run a quick search through Charity Navigator to make sure they'll be using your money responsibly. (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)