Donating towards a good cause? - Personal Post 23

I always want to make a huge donation to multiple organizations and charities, but i'm never sure if the money I am donating is being received at the other end. How do I know that my hard earned money is actually going to needy orphans or the local pet shelter? I feel like that is the reason holding me back. I want to be giving, but not to any potential greedy people waiting for my cheque to arrive. Maybe if I want to give back I can do it more directly. I can help out at a soup kitchen or buy new shows for a homeless person. I guess charity isn't all about money, and I really want to start contributing and doing my part.