Philly may get a bad rap from the rest of the good ol' U.S., but the Somers Team knows that our city houses some of the most generous people you could hope to meet. This holiday season, we'd like to take a moment to spread the word about some of our favorite local charities that could really use your contribution in keeping their doors open. We'd love to hear about your favorites, too!

Chris and Stephanie Somers Favorite Philadelphia-Area Charities

1) Street Tails Animal Rescue

STAR's mission is to help the homeless, and unwanted animals within the local, Philadelphia area by helping them receive proper medical attention, educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering, and by placing these animals in suitable, compatible, and most of all, loving homes.

You can help to give homeless and unwanted pets the second chance they deserve by donating here.

2. Rock to the Future

Rock to the Future is a nonprofit organization that provides free contemporary music education to underserved youth in Philadelphia. They believe that music education supports academic achievement, builds confidence and pride, and creates an appreciation for and participation in the arts.

Help ensure that all Philadelphia youth have access to music education in 2017 and beyond by making a donation here.

3. Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association

NLNA works to encourage and promote the preservation and beautification of public spaces and to plan and monitor the growth and development of their neighborhood to the benefit of the community.

NLNA's mission is to provide services and programs beneficial to all residents and businesses in Northern Liberties Help contribute to the growth of Northern Liberties this holiday season by making a contribution to the NLNA here.

Other Somers Team Members Support:

Kriston Johnson Frankford Community Development Corporation	This organiation works to build on the assets of the Frankfort community by providing increased job opportunities, building affordable homes, and supporting the development of increased financial resources through growing stable business. This December, the FCDC is raising money to renovate their new office building, which will help to revitalize the Frankford Avenue Business District. Donate here.
Theresa Hawley Zero: The End of Prostate Cancer	Zero welcomes everyone who has been touched by prostate cancer, including patients, survivors, loved ones, caregivers, and medical professionals to join them as warriors in their fight against prostate cancer. Make your end of year gift today, and a generous matching donor will double the impact. The Schwartz Family will match each gift up to $60,000. Donate here.
Erin Corcoran Valley Youth House	Valley Youth House provides housing education, case management and rental assistance to LGBTQ youth. A disproportionate percentage of queer youth experience homelessness, and Valley Youth House is working to combat that in Philadelphia. Your gift helps ensure VYH is able to keep their doors open for young people with nowhere else to turn in 2017 and beyond. Donate here.
Nick Franco Chenoa Manor	Chenoa Manor is a not for profit farm sanctuary in Avondale, PA. Chenoa Manor. It is an amazing farm that rescues pigs, goats, horses, cows, etc. from many undesirable situations such as hoarding and animal cruelty. With your support, Chenoa Manor can meet their goal to improve facilities for the animals and expand their education program in 2017. Donate here.
Julie Hankins St. Laurentius School	Voted the #1 Elementary School in the Philadelphia region, St. Laurentius School serves the children who are entrusted to their care by providing opportunities for personal formation in a safe and caring environment that encourages the growth of future lifelong learners in a global society. You can get involved with St. Laurentius School by participating in their variety of fundraising events, which range from Battle of the Bands to Bowling Nights. Learn more here.
Ari Waks Kids of Courage	Volunteer driven, K.O.C.‘s mission and goal, from its inception in 2008, has been to empower children and young adults — most of whom would otherwise be restricted to hospitals or their homes — to have the glorious, joyful, exhilarating, companion-filled adventures children deserve and to enable them to see and experience a world of delights that would otherwise be unattainable. Help children live like children in 2017 by donating here.
Daniel Sandoval Pennsylvania SPCA	The PSPCA rescues animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitates them medically and behaviorally, and places them with new, loving families. We bring our mission to life through the lifesaving efforts of our humane law enforcement (HLE) and litigation division, in-house shelter hospital, low-cost veterinary services, behavior and enrichment program, humane education, and placement of abandoned animals in loving forever homes. Save an animal's life as we enter 2017 by donating here.

Your favorite Philly charity didn't make the list? Shoot us an email to let us know and we'll make sure to keep a space for it on next year's edition of Passing the Hat!