I suggest Doctors without Borders - not local to LA, but does good.

redfern | November 05, 17:07 CET

3 charities that imediately come to my mind are (in no particular order):
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
American Red Cross

jewel | November 05, 17:21 CET

Make-A-Wish Foundation would be a good one. Or one of the homeless centers based in LA.

Madhatter | November 05, 17:54 CET

The fight never ends Mutant Enemy, come back soon. :D

SeanValen | November 05, 17:57 CET

This is a great idea! I think something for children would be great, maybe the March of Dimes or Make-a-wish. But the American Red Cross may be hurting for cash with all the hurricanes Florida and the gulf had this year.

Firefly Flanatic | November 05, 17:59 CET

Another suggestion is The Wooten Center. It helps kids, it's local to LA and it has a Mutant Enemy connection because Ron Glass (Firefly) chairs their board of directors.

JT | November 05, 18:00 CET

And that's exactly why we're some of the coolest fans ever...

Numfar PTB | November 05, 18:00 CET

JT - That's a great suggestion. I just checked out the site through your link. Does anyone else think the picture of the young naval guy looks like J. August?

Firefly Flanatic | November 05, 18:15 CET

I second the Wooten Center. It's like the real-life version of Anne's shelter from AtS.

wren | November 05, 18:16 CET

In honor of Buffy, I suggest maybe something womyn-empowering. And for Angel, it could perhaps help the helpless of L.A. (I don't know how to honor Firefly: helping those who "live in a spaceship"? Gun rights? The Companion's Anti-Defamation League?)

I searched at networkforgood.org for L.A. charities with keyword "women" and came up with some ideas. I don't know anything about any of them, but here are their blurbies:

Downtown Women's Center -- provides permanent housing and a drop in center offering food and supportive services for homeless women and women living in poverty in Downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Women's Foundation -- A catalyst for social change that increases resources creates solutions and expands opportunities for women and girls.

Break the Cycle -- works to empower youth to end domestic violence through preventive education, free legal services, advocacy and support.

For Women Only Transition to Independence Program and Shelter (TIPS) -- a new temporary shelter project to provide transitional housing and supportive services for post incarcerated, homeless women in south Los Angeles.

New Economics for Women -- is a community economic development corporation whose holistic approach to housing and economic development promotes self-sufficiency and eliminates poverty.

My Sisters Keeper -- a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which provides education, social support and advocacy for at-risk women and children in South Central Los Angeles and neighboring communities.
OK, this one doesn't have its own website and the link I tried to post didn't work, so go here and just search for the organization by name.

UnderShare, Inc. is a volunteers- based charity that donates and enables donations of new, unused, packaged, underwear, diapers, socks, bras and/or toiletries to shelters. We are dedicated to charitable measures which help to provide dignity and improved health and hygeine for disenfranchised individuals. (Okay, I just like them 'cause it's about underwear. It's a funny word.)

Project Angel Food -- still remains the only daily meal delivery service to people living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. We now cover 1,400 square miles and have delivered 2.7 million meals to date.

And you know, there's scholarships and stuff too.

melsta | November 05, 18:17 CET

How about a scholarship fund for television writing - the Mutant Enemy Scholarship.

I believe that most such scholarships become self-sustaining after they reach approximately $5000.

ShelaghC | November 05, 18:33 CET

What if fans make a donation, in Mutant Enemy's name, to the charity of their choice? A way to spread the love and help a favorite cause.

bloodflowers | November 05, 18:55 CET

Why does it have to be one charity? Perhaps someone could set up a Mutant Enemy Viewers Fund which gives money in increments of one to ten thousand to different charities as the fund can manage it? A local radio personality here in Texas set up a Listener's Foundation which gives money to families of fallen police officers. People contribute and when an officer falls in duty, the foundation cuts a check to the widow. So it's not a one time thing, but an organization that perpetually helps a lot of people.

In honor of Anne, who appeared in both Buffy and Angel, perhaps the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority would be ideal. Nick Brendon's charity of choice is the Stuttering Foundation of America. Last year was a push for First Book in honor of SMG. There's no one charity that would represent all cast and crew in the history of M.E. A fund that supported a wide range of charities might resolve the problem.

ZachsMind | November 05, 18:59 CET

If we give to a charity what about actor charities - like the sag foudations

Catastrophic Health Fund
The Foundation's Catastrophic Health Fund provides grants to eligible Guild members and their dependents who suffer from catastrophic illness or injury and are unable to afford the Guild Health Plan's Self-Pay Program. The Fund ensures that every eligible Guild member and his or her family can depend on continued health benefits when they need them most.

RavenU | November 05, 19:29 CET

Another idea... how about everyone who's interested donates at least a weekend to helping the charity of their choice in their own town. ME fans, across the globe, helping those in need in their own areas, in homage to our beloved shows and ME.

looking | November 05, 19:33 CET

I forgot to add: Once a charity is decided upon, be sure to check http://www.charitynavigator.org/ They will give you a comprehensive breakdown of how the money you donate is distributed. More than once, I've changed who I was donating to, based on their information.

looking | November 05, 19:36 CET

All good ideas but i think ZachsMind has hit on the best idea if that can be sorted. Something longterm and able to benefit as many charities and people as possible.

Otherwise how about donating to YouthCare (www.youthcare.org)? That would certainly be appropriate as far as the Anne connection goes.

The Watcher | November 05, 19:42 CET

I am suggesting that the charity have a global nature, because such a choice would reflect the fans of all cultures and nationalities -- and more likely to draw the sympathy of fans outside the U.S.

Such as Redfern suggested above, Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres -- http://www.msf.org/). Here are highly skilled people risking their lives all over the world, mostly in disaster and war-torn areas, helping to heal people without credit cards and health insurance. And not caring whether they do or not.

Another is Oxfam. Helping people to make lives for themselves by giving them the tools and knowledge that can help them grow and sustain themselves. It's also non-denominational.

Drifter | November 05, 21:13 CET

Excellent suggestions from all. Two good links for fans who wish to check out suitable charities are:
give.org
guidestar.org

This really is a great thing to do to show our appreciation to the good people of Mutant Enemy.

[ edited by Madhatter on 2004-11-05 19:33 ]

Madhatter | November 05, 21:29 CET

Huge fan of Wooten Center. And they're very desperate right now. The funding promised to them by the state hasn't come through, and they're just squeaking by, barely.

I like small charities. Large charities tend to get a lot of money through corporate gifting, and the Directors of those charities get (well-deserved) paychecks twice as big as most of us.

With Wooten, the woman running it mortgaged her house to open the Center after her son was murdered in a driveby shooting. The Center is safe harbor for children living in a sort of warzone.

I've visited it. There's a tiny garden in the back dug through the concrete, surrounded by a chain link fence so kids can learn to grow things. They have a tutoring center so kids can get afterschool help, and a small bank of computers where adults can learn the skills to be able to get decent jobs.

I love that their mission is education so that people have the tools to take care of themselves. It's a place that teaches self-reliance, and it's also an oasis.

I'm not in the least saying that the charities others have chosen aren't extraordinary. But I think a small, local charity is the place where we'd see our contributions have the biggest effect. We could be responsible for keeping the lights on for one more month with a small charity.

We might raise $500-$3000, which might be the direct mailing budget for a large charity. For a smaller one, it's rent, the phone bill, workbooks, gas for the van that drops the kids off safely at home after dark.

Any charity at all is a good one. Just pleading my case.

Allyson | November 05, 21:38 CET

I also say Wooten Center.

Or we could donate to Heifer International and buy goats. It'll be a lot of goats.

lalaa | November 05, 21:44 CET

I'm rooting for the Wooten Center.

electricspacegirl | November 05, 21:49 CET

I've never heard of the Wooten Center before but to me it sounds like the perfect choice. Someone who could have given up on the whole world in her grief & despair instead decides to do what she can to help the hopeless.

gingeriffic | November 05, 21:53 CET

Gee, there are thousands of worthy charities. Weighing in here with one that really affected me when I saw it on television. There's an organization that pays for reconstructive surgery for babies and children that are born with facial deformities and have no money to pay. Cleft palates, harelips, front teeth that stick straight forward, tumors, crossed eyes, etc...

When I saw the story I couldn't believe the difference the doctors made in these kid's lives. Their self esteem shot up immeasurably and the parents were so heart-breakingly grateful. Now those kids will all be able to function normally in the world, without thoughtless people looking askance at them or being cruel because of their appearance.

Its called the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction. They help over 1500 cases a year, with no regard for ability to pay.

All of your suggestions sound very worthy to me. This one just hit me kind of hard, and I wanted to share.

Willowy | November 05, 22:02 CET

I like the Wooten Center as well.

Ron Glass is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

Mycroft | November 05, 22:53 CET

How about donating to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank either via Angel's Food Drive or directly to the charity. Yes, that's a plug of a project I helped organize. DB and JM are donating more items to the charity auction and Mutant Enemy is already aware of the campaign.

killinj | November 05, 23:06 CET

As JT recommended way above, the Wooten Center strikes me as a good cause as well. They're giving kids a good start and a safe place to be. I'm good with this and I'm happy to see a connection with Joss (Ron Glass). My vote is on the Wooten Center.

Madhatter | November 05, 23:24 CET

I second bloodflowers:

What if fans make a donation, in Mutant Enemy's name, to the charity of their choice?

Chris in Virginia | November 05, 23:31 CET

" We don't have a particular charity in mind. Pick a nice one: helping kids, saving the environment, the homeless. Maybe a local one."

Given that ME's reply showed a leaning toward a local (LA) charity that helps kids and the homeless, I think that the Wooten Center is the perfect choice.

I'd also echo Allyson's remarks that our contributions could have a significant impact on a small organization like the Center.

Znachki | November 05, 23:34 CET

Allyson sold me on the Wooten Center. Even if it's not the charity that's chosen, I plan to donate to it.

looking | November 05, 23:52 CET

Chris in Virginia: I think if you would prefer to donate to your favorite charity, that's just as lovely. Maybe Simon can confirm that the ME PO Box is still active, and post the address so that you know where to send the honor card.

Allyson | November 05, 23:57 CET

My two cents:

Make-a-Wish Foundation does amazing stuff. I know a child with leukemia that got to take his family to Disney World through them, and the stories are amazing.

Also, the Wooten Center sounds wonderful. I am up for any idea. This will be amazing. :)

Miko | November 06, 01:25 CET

The Wooten Centre sounds great to me. And the chance to make a significant difference to a small deserving charity is great as well.

Count me in.

zz9 | November 06, 01:56 CET

The Wooten Center sounds great to me too. A few reasons I like it (some of which have been mentioned):
– While organizations like Make-A-Wish and the American Red Cross are great, they also get a LOT of attention. They're what i consider "traditional" charities, and are the focus of a lot of people's giving
– Traditional homeless shelters and food pantries also do a lot of good, but are more about stemming the symptoms of problems like poverty, rather than going to the root cause. I haven't looked into the Wooten Center yet, but at least from what Allyson said, it has a big focus on education and teaching self-reliance, which, in the long run, does more good.
Regarding local vs. international – in general I'm a big favor of international giving, and Oxfam and Doctors without borders are both excellent (another superb one is the Global Fund for Women - and that would be my suggestion if we did a women-centered one). But I do like the idea of giving to a much smaller organization, that has an ME connection, where the donation can make a real difference. Since the gift is to be in honor of ME, it somehow makes sense to me that we donate to something in their backyard. And the fact that it struck a lot of people as similar to Anne's organization is even better.
– Regarding each person giving to an organization of their choice in ME's name vs. doing something collectively: Obviously anyone can (and should) give to whatever charity they want. I would just say that one of the advantages of a collective gift is that by pooling our donations we have the chance to make a much bigger impact at one organization. I was a part of a giving circle for a while that was based on taht principle - by giving together, you can make more of a difference. Plus it's kind of a nice way to tell ME "we gave XX amount to this organization in your honor, to say thank you."

Anyhow, those are just my thoughts. The websites people mentioned for checking up on various organizations are all excellent. And I'd encourage everyone when they give to sometimes look beyond the really big, more traditional nonprofits to smaller grass-roots one that try to address root causes - they're often referred to as social-change organizations. Just my $.02....

Great suggestions by everybody!

acp | November 06, 02:49 CET

I really appreciate every one's suggestions, you've all put forward some very passionate cases.

I got an email from a lurker who lives in L.A. and she mentions the following.

"Reading to Kids, www.readingtokids.com. An
organization that promotes literacy & inspires a love
of reading by giving books to children in Los Angeles
schools & bringing volunteers in to read to them.

The Wonder of Reading, www.wonderofreading.org. An
organization that renovates public school libraries in
the Los Angeles area, replaces old & battered books,
and also provides reading tutors for the students.

(I thought of these because so much of Buffy was
centered around the library, and the school library
budget is the first thing to go here in California)

The other group is called Chrysalis,
www.changelives.org. It's a group that helps
economically disadvantaged and homeless people get
jobs."

Simon | November 06, 04:40 CET

I'd vote for either one of the latest suggestions, The Wonder of Reading or the Wooten Centre.

Lioness | November 06, 04:51 CET

Simon, do the mods want to decide? You could always do a Misterpoll for a week. It would give us some time to go out into our communities and shill for the project.

Would you be setting up a Paypal, or would it be direct contributions to the charity?

Allyson | November 06, 07:29 CET

Simon, any of these suggestions will be a fitting thank you to Mutant Enemy. We trust the choices of our mods and we'll support it.

Madhatter | November 06, 10:22 CET

The mods will make the decision shortly, and once we do we'll make enquiries as to what the best approach would be for fans to donate to the charity.

Simon | November 06, 12:54 CET

I recommend Child's Play. It's only been going a couple of years, but last year they donated over a quarter of a million dollars to a childrens hospital in Seattle and a few truckloads of toys for the kids to play with. This year they've expanded their efforts to more than just one hospital, and I think they're sending stuff to five or six this time round.

It's entirely organised by a couple of people who run a gaming website, Penny Arcade, everyone who donates does so via PayPal or via Amazon wishlists (meaning all of us could easily donate) and it's getting bigger and bigger. They're already well on their way to beating last years record, they've gotten a lot of media attention, a lot of big companies are giving them thousands, and there's a big benefit gala being held in the run up to Christmas.

I think helping sick kids would be a good thing - someone said that they wanted something related to children - and this is suitable since it's the internet community at large which has been making it so successful up until now.

http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

[ edited by Gonnas on 2004-11-06 17:10 ]

Gonnas | November 06, 19:09 CET

What would be more indicative of the character of this fan group and Mutant Enemy is respect for and love of words. And how communication breaks down barriers to knowledge and understanding. I checked the web site of readingtokids.com and came away very impressed with how much grassroots activity goes on. So I now support the idea of helping them. Also, I can see the need at Wooten centre, too. So maybe we can split the aid.

Drifter | November 06, 21:20 CET