25 Brands that help families during the holidays

Wondering which brands devote resources to families during the holiday season? We’ve found 25 brands that help out when it really counts. Add some holiday giving to your shopping list.

For the sixth year, Macy’s has kicked off its Believe program benefiting Make-A-Wish. Embracing the spirit of imagination and hope, the program donates $1 for every letter to Santa mailed from a local Macy’s store.

Thanks to proceeds that benefit accelerated cancer research, the Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) shop is a wonderful place to pick up a gift with meaning — 100 percent of public funds go directly into research grants. Your purchase can benefit families affected by cancer this season and beyond.

Trouble the Dog is a simple plush toy that offers children comfort and hope, particularly in devastating situations. This holiday season, creator Sheila Duncan has teamed up with the SPCA. A portion of proceeds will help real dogs find homes with loving families.

Learn how to volunteer with your local animal shelter >>

Drawing inspiration from John Lennon’s iconic lyrics, Hard Rock has launched the Imagine There’s No Hunger campaign. Affordable pins and bracelets make perfect stocking stuffers, and 100 percent of proceeds benefit WhyHunger and grassroots partners.

These days, many toys are battery operated. This holiday season, through its Power A Smile program, Duracell is donating a battery to Toys for Tots for each Quantum AA 12 pack and Coppertop AA 16 pack purchased.

At the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., a massive Wishing Tree in the lobby is decorated with the wishes of the children of Martha’s Table. The hotel invites guests and locals to visit the tree and fulfill wishes of local children in need.

Throughout the year, innovative children’s clothing company Gandzee donates resources to the Weekend BackPack Program, which delivers backpacks full of food to students in need every Friday afternoon at the end of the school day.

Through its 10th annual holiday campaign benefiting Toys for Tots, Toys R Us has partnered with Shaquille O’Neal to raise funds and awareness. This year’s campaign began with a $250,000 donation and continues by encouraging shoppers to donate new, unwrapped toys in stores or through online purchases.

During the holiday season, when you splurge on the unique gift of custom mixed ice cream, eCreamery donates a portion of the proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The holidays are a special time to support kids who need mentoring.

Holiday Bullseye is back and benefiting the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The collectible plush toy is just $15, and the entire purchase price benefits St. Jude through its Thanks and Giving program.

Although most Americans will only giggle at the ultra-pricey items on the Christmas Book’s fantasy gifts list, those who do take the plunge will help contribute big money to the The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. This foundation supports the arts for children.

This holiday season, Shoebuy’s In Their Shoes campaign encourages customers to donate money to charities such as Oxfam America, which works to right the wrongs of poverty and hunger.

Up next: More brands that help families during the holidays >>