A new charity site that enables direct donations to families in need has been launched at SmallCanBeBig.com. By partnering with established charities, this group provides a way to make tax-deductible direct donations to families in a situation where a small boost can make a big difference. Categories of aid include: Fending Off Eviction, Facing Unexpected Emergencies, Escaping Domestic Violence, etc. You can read about specific families and select who your donation will be directed to. (At present, this project seems to be limited to the Boston area.)
I don't know much more about this than what I have read on their web site, but it seems like a really good idea. I encourage you all to check it out.