Thinking Tax Prep? Go on a Last-Day Giving Spree

It's the last day of 2012, but you can get a jump on your New Year's resolution to help others and take advantage of the tax benefits of giving this year by donating online to local nonprofits.

Here are some suggestions, with links to the organizations' online donation sites (just click on the name of the organization). Share your favorite local nonprofits in the comments:

Eastside Baby Corner:

Your gift today will have an amazing impact on the lives of local children:

$500 protects 10 children with new, safe car seats

$250 fills the tummies of 15 infants, giving each infant 3 days of formula

$100 gives an 11-year old boy clothes, shoes & coat for school

$50 delivers a port-a-crib for baby, giving her a safe bed of her own

Issaquah Schools Foundation

The Issaquah Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization that drives resources to help all students reach the promise of their academic potential. They do this by bridging the gap between funds the state provides for basic education and the dollars our schools need to prepare students for success in school and life. Since 1987, the foundation has contributed over $4 million dollars to the Issaquah School District.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation

 Since the Lake Washington Schools Foundation was established, it has raised over $1.6 million from its generous community and has funded programs that have touched almost every student in the District. These programs ensure equal access to educational opportunities, quality teaching and leadership, and future-ready skills.

Sammamish Family YWCA

 The Y is dedicated to today's youth. The organization believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, and offers financial assistance to families that cannot afford membership costs.

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank says of donations: "We’ll use every nickel for good."

$25 buys baby supplies for one week
$50 provides diabetic or special needs meals for one week
$60 buys a year's school supplies for one child
$75 provides emergency utility help for one month
$90 provides food assistance for a family of four for one week
$100 helps provide holiday gifts for an unsponsored family

Operation Bald Eagle

Operation Bald Eagle offers several services that are performed throughout the year as a way to give back to Law Enforcement, Fire & Medics, Military and their immediate families out of western Washington. (Care packages out to the troops several times a year, visits to the VA Hospitals in Seattle/Tacoma several times a year, Project Picking up the Pieces to the families affected by loss and their respective agency/department or military service. Along with other coordination with local businesses to serving our “Patriot Groups” when called upon.

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

If you've adopted an animal this year, your adoption fee is already tax-deductible, but Motley Zoo, which rescues and re-homes pets, always needs monetary donations to fund its entirely volunteer operation.

There are certainly many more nonprofits. Share the love by posting your favorite, with a link to its online donation platform, in the comments below.