Quick Hits: DonorsChoose.org

The economy: yeesh! If you're like me, you've reviewed your budget, tightened things where you can, and maybe held off on some purchases. Maybe some of some of those "good to have, but not necessary" expenses were charitable donations. I know I've been keeping a tight leash on my budget, but I still want to give where it counts. That's why we're kicking off Quick Hits, this new Tonic column, to help you find good causes that pass the "10/10" test: you can do good either in 10 minutes or with just a bit of cash, like $10.

First up: DonorsChoose.org. Heard about this great organization already? Teachers are especially hurt in a bad economy that typically increases classroom size and restricts already limited resources. Through DonorsChoose, teachers request materials that help them better educate their students, and you select where you want your money to go. Any donation is welcome, even $5 or $10. You can select your gift by grade level, subject matter, or even by poverty level, defined by the percentage of kids who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches.

Just taking a quick look, I found teachers who need biographies of Civil Rights leaders, calming instrumental music and blank journals to help kids learn handwriting. While it frustrates me that teachers even have to request basic materials like books, I am glad I can help, and you can too.

So what do you say we band together and do something good? With the money I'd usually spend on coffee and a pastry this morning, I'm buying a copy of The Watsons Go To Birmingham for Mrs G's 6th grade classroom in San Francisco. How are you going to help?

Dan's note: DonorsChoose.org recently won second place in the American Express Members Project, winning $500,000 for classroom projects. This video shows how they plan to use their prize money.