I donate to:
*Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (where we got Lucy from)
*Children's Law Center of DC (Adopt foster kids for christmas and buy them clothing, shoes, toys, and gift cards for the family to buy food)
*Church
In general, I'll give to anyone who asks whose cause I support. I'll buy girl scout cookies, get my car washed at the high school, and volunteer time at city work projects (school beautification projects downtown or whatever). A few weeks ago kids came to the door asking for donations for another family in the apartment complex, so they could buy them Christmas presents. Hubby bought a decorated candy cane from them for $20.
Also, I try to carry around granola bars or crackers or $5 giftcards to Mcdonalds in my purse. Then, when a homeless person asks for money for food, I know they aren't spending it on drugs.