THE HISTORY OF DIRECT EFFECT CHARITIES
Direct Effect Charities was founded
in 2002 by husband and wife team, Michelle DiGiacomo and Paul Fitzgerald. Their dream was to start a charity that
"directly effected" children in need. In short, to cut out the "middle men" and create programs where
the donor could give directly to the recipient. Almost ten years later we believe we have come as close to that dream as possible.
Sadly, Paul passed away in 2008 but Michelle has continued their vision and now runs the charity with the help of
two wonderful directors, along with a cast of thousands of loving individuals.
Our very first campaign was "Letters to Santa" and that year we helped
to answer 15,000 children's letters written exclusively by Chicago's public school students. It is a program
that has been continued ever since. Our donors come from all walks of life and have one thing in common; the pure joy
they receive from simply giving. It was a great campaign and the perfect start to Direct Effects original
vision.
Since our inception, we have served many thousands of
children through the generosity of countless individuals and corporations throughout the city and suburbs. . Our programs
cover a myriad of basic needs and continue to grow. Please join us and directly support a child in need today!
