THANKSGIVING GIVING. When making your end-of-the-year donations, please consider the following four charities. Most are relatively small, so even modest donations would help them significantly.

GLUTEN-FREE RESTAURANT AWARENESS PROGRAM (GFRAP). The good hardworking people of GFRAP are pioneers in training restaurateurs to provide safe meals to gluten-free and wheat-free patrons. GFRAP, which started in the New York City metropolitan area, is gradually expanding across the continent. Volunteer work is much appreciated, but donations also ease the way. Contact the Westchester Celiac Sprue Support Group for more information.


SELFHELP (NASSAU HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS PROGRAM). In the words of its website, Selfhelp Community Services aims "to help older adults live happy, independent lives in their own homes with services that help maintain their health and safety. Today, Selfhelp offers 20,000 aging, frail and 'at-risk' New Yorkers a comprehensive network of social service, senior housing and home care services. It is also the oldest and largest provider of Nazi victim services in North America." Yet I'm told that the agency, which was founded in 1936 by Holocaust refugees, could use funds to provide basic services for the many Holocaust survivors in Long Island's Nassau County, many of whom are in need of special attention. Check out the website and consider earmarking donations to that underserved area.


ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER. The services provided by this top-notch organization are increasingly important as the population of Alzheimer's patients (and caregivers) in New York City is expected to reach very high levels. Whether or not you give, keep this place in mind as an excellent resource for people with dementia and the people who care for them.


EDUCATION & ASSISTANCE CORPORATION. Founded in 1969, this organization "is a not-for-profit agency providing a broad array of educational, vocational, counseling, mediation and intervention services." Its goal is "to respond to human needs with programs that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors and empower individuals to take control of their lives."

Photo: David Marc Fischer