Mom doesn’t need another trinket. Why not make that last-minute stocking stuffer a donation to a local charity instead?

The Bay Area is full of nonprofits that are as vibrant and creative as the communities they serve. Here are ideas for end-of-year giving (or volunteering in the next).

The Peanut Butter Plan: Organizes PB&J drop-offs to the hungry on the first of every month.

Bay Area Girls Rock Camp: Empowers young girls through music (instrument lessons, songwriting, and more).

Creativity Explored: Supports and promotes artists with disabilities as they make, exhibit, and sell their work.

Give a Dog a Bone: Aids the health and wellness of long-term shelter dogs at San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

Healing Waters Wilderness Adventures: Inspires people living with HIV/AIDS with journeys into the great outdoors.

Project Night Night: Annually provides more than 25,000 care packages (a new security blanket, age-appropriate children’s book, and stuffed animal) to homeless children.

And with that: To all a good night.

Photo: Flyingroc / Flickr