Best charities in Atlanta, according to AJC readers

Atlanta is a city that upholds the spirit of generosity and giving year-round.

Where can you donate your hard-earned dollars and time that will make the biggest impact?

Last week's Best of Atlanta poll found out which local charities are closest to your heart.

Bert's Big Adventure earns the No. 1 spot as an organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.

Coming in second place, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a worthy charity that provides care and advances the well-being of the sick children of our city. You can donate a monetary gift or purchase needed equipment specialized for kids to help their efforts.

Habitat for Humanity's vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. As our third place winner, Habitat works toward their vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.

There are many worthwhile charities in Atlanta that deserve our support. Be sure to consider our other official nominees when deciding where to spread the love: Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, American Cancer Society Foundation, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Hands on Atlanta, CARE, Atlanta Community Food Bank and The Giving Kitchen.

As the holidays near, a special donation or gift of service might be all a local charity needs to make a difference in our community.