This time of year most businesses find their mailboxes and inboxes overflowing with donation pleas. It seems like more requests come your way every year. There are so many good causes, especially in our tri-county area--how can you decide which organizations to give to?

This time of year, thoughtful, committed citizens find their mailboxes overflowing with donation pleas. Sure, you want to change the world — or at least make a difference in our community. But where do you start?

You have your favorite charities you give to each year around holiday time, but it seems that the number of requests multiplies each year. How can you be sure you are giving to the organizations that will make the biggest difference in causes close to your heart? How can you be sure your donations will have the greatest impact? Knowing how much to give and what charitable vehicles to use can also be daunting.