As usual, Christmas cards are outnumbering requests for donations at our house so far this holiday season, but it’s a pretty close race. As you’re considering where your charitable dollars should go this year, remember that donating local before year-end is right up there in importance with shopping local during the holiday season.

Here are some local organizations that have hit up The Swellesley Report to pass along charitable donations requests:

Wellesley Community Center’s Annual Appeal

The Wellesley Community Center (WCC), the largest common civic organization in town, is gearing up for its annual appeal. Going into its 40th year, the non-profit organization is busier than ever. Existing within Wellesley but separately from the Town of Wellesley, the WCC is solely responsible for its operating budget.

Stephen Beach, Executive Director since 2012, notes that the WCC is home to the largest youth magic guild in the country; a dance company; is host to the Wellesley Society of Artists Fall Reception; and provides space to the local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild.

Within the traditional civic arena, there are professional development seminars for the Wellesley School District; Knox Trail Council Boy Scouts management training; a Student Home Safety course; the annual Wellesley Hills Woman’s Club jewelry sale; the Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project; the Fund for Metro West; and the highly visible World of Wellesley; as well as many other events, meetings, and shows.

Wellesley Education Foundation

Wellesley Friendly Aid

Wellesley Friendly Aid is pleased to announce that its annual fundraising campaign is underway.

Friendly Aid’s annual campaign is the single, largest source of funding supporting its many programs helping Wellesley residents and families.

Among these programs, Friendly Aid provides needed financial aid to Wellesley families experiencing emergency or hardship situations. We fund scholarships to send children of Wellesley families in need to summer camp and summer educational enrichment programs and provide food vouchers to low income families for the holidays.

Please be as generous as you can in supporting Friendly Aid’s Annual Appeal.

Also, Friendly Aid has joined forces with Wellesley Holiday Boutique at 17 Central St., which is donating 15% of sales between 9-11am on Dec. 15 to the organization.

Here’s a list of Wellesley charitable and community action groups, all of whom would be happy to help you with your donation needs. More here on Wellesley fundraisers.