The local news is full of stories about secret Santas who are paying off lay a way accounts for needy families. That is the way it should be.
Never respond to those TV ads begging you to donate to one cause or another. Very little of the money they collect actually reaches the people they claim to represent.
If you want to help someone or some orginazation this season, make a direct donation. Go down to the animal shelter, for example and donate cash, food or other items on their needs list.
Give a toy to Toys for Tots, or follow the examples showing up on the news and become a Secret Santa for some local needy family.
Don't hand out your hard earned money to some professional find raiser where only a small percentage goes to the advertised cause.