Unloading surplus
Suggested recipients for charitable donations.

By Renee Macalino Rutledge

THE HOLIDAYS SCREAM with surplus – from department stores overstocked with merchandise to the hideous dogs of unwanted presents that sit, untouched, in our closets. December highlights a glaring disparity between those who shop till they drop and those who feel lucky to receive even the most essential food, shelter, and health care. Clearly there's more to think about this time of year than blinking lights and pushy ads, and many charitable organizations are dedicated to channeling your generous donations to needy souls. Here are just a few local organizations that would benefit from your generosity.

Dolores Street Community Service (938 Valencia, S.F. 415-282-6209, www.dscs.org), Compass Community Service (995 Market, fifth fl., S.F. 415-644-0504, www.compass-sf.org), Rafael House (1065 Sutter, S.F. 415-474-4621, www.rafaelhouse.org), and Habitat for Humanity (78 Ocean, S.F. 415-406-1555, www.habitatsf.org) provide neighborhood-based housing and services to assist homeless individuals and families. They need donations of clothing, toys, food, supplies, and equipment.

Afghans for Afghans (65 Ninth St., S.F. www.afghansforafghans.org) is a grassroots effort inspired by Red Cross volunteers that sends hand-knit blankets and clothing to displaced families in Afghanistan.

The San Francisco Food Bank (900 Pennsylvania, S.F. 415-282-1900, www.sffoodbank.org) fights to end hunger in San Francisco, and Meals on Wheels of San Francisco (1375 Fairfax, S.F. 415-920-1111, www.mowsf.org) sends two meals a day to homebound seniors who are unable to care for themselves. Both organizations are dependent on donations of food, money, and time.

Project Open Hand (730 Polk, S.F. 415-447-2300; 3443 San Pablo, Oakl. 510-596-8200; www.openhand.org) provides meals, groceries, and nutrition education to people with HIV/AIDS, including those who are homebound and critically ill. The service is dependent on monetary donations. Or give funds to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (995 Market, Ste. 200, S.F. 415-487-3061, www.sfaf.org) to help provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Research assistance by Lori Musicer.