What is the best way to give to charity?

[merrygoround]

We are about to finish paying off a debt or two, and as we have managed without that money for a while I think it would be a good time to start giving a bit to charity. Ideally I like the idea of sponsoring a child, as my dd (6) could hopefully feel an involvement, but I wonder if any mumsnetters have any thoughts that I could put to my dd and dp, before we make a final decision? I really do want it to be something that dd can feel part of.

I should add that I work for a charity but would not really give money to it because it is so hard to work out where it goes.

Are there any local projects that you could volunteer for as well / instead of giving cash to? Like gardening projects etc?

we choose to sponsor a child born in the same month and year as ds2, and of the same ethnic origin as us. it helps the kids to be involved.
otherwise, i would suggest a small, local charity would be best. where you can actually know that the money wont be spent on marketing and other useless stuff, but go straight to the benefit of the clients. iyswim.

Take the point about volunteering, but specifcally want to give money regularly to a project that will be able to show dd in particular how we can play a part in trying to make the world a better place.

Dd has (mild) sight problems, so did wonder about a charity that helps children who also have sight problems - I like the idea of having something in common - but being a bit selfish I suppose because I'd like to find a charity that gives you some feedback about where your money goes.

Any other thoughts?

I cannot recommend Kiva highly enough. You help individual people or groups and you get the money back!