5 Neopian Charities who Embodied the Spirit of Giving in 2022

     But with Granny Hopbobbin taking an extended leave of absence, whom does Neopia turn to for inspiration in the art of altruism? With so many false charities running amok in Neopia (in spite of vague claims, the Pocket Change Redistribution Committee has yet to put forth any sound evidence of having ever redistributed any of the pocket change they’ve appropriated), who can be trusted to handle the donations of generous Neopians too busy to oversee their delivery?

     It turns out one needn’t look far. Though Granny Hopbobbin has not been available to organise her annual charity drive, these historic organisations have stepped up in her place, ensuring that the Spirit of Giving is remembered not only during the Month of Celebrating, but year-round.

     The Money Tree

     From its home in the middle of Neopia Central, the Money Tree has been a Neopian institution for longer than living memory. The kindly tree has never faltered in its philanthropic works, continuing to collect and distribute its treasures with its branches held high even during times of scandal. (See NT Editorial, issues 392, 733, 735, 947.) Each time it’s confronted with these allegations of enabling spammers, the Money Tree patiently offers the same argument: “If those poor souls have nothing more to their name than hundreds of old boots yet still wish to offer that meagre generosity, who am I to deny them?” And to the charge of accepting donations of stolen goods, the Tree only chuckles and says, “No, I suppose I shouldn’t condone it. But bless their souls, those mischievous ghosts have their hearts in the right place!”

     Whether one agrees with its idealistic views, none can deny that the Money Tree is a cornerstone of Neopian charity, facilitating donations for Neopians from all walks of life. In fact, few can honestly say that they have never benefited from its services!

     The Neopian Second-Hand Shoppe

     Though less celebrated than the previous entry, the work carried out by the Neopian Second-Hand Shoppe is just as important. Its pre-loved apparel is not always fashionable (and sometimes it just stinks!), the Second-Hand Shoppe has been putting clothes on the backs of Neopia’s underprivileged citizens for fifteen years. While this little Shoppe located in the Neopian Plaza may not have as many years’ experience as the Money Tree, its Ruki shopkeeper carries out the work of sorting and distributing donations just as diligently.

     In 2022, the Shoppe gave away hundreds of thousands of wearables! (The Ruki shopkeeper did not disclose how many of these “wearables” were Piles of Dung, however)

     The Neovian Fashion Fund

     When fashion fever struck Neopia, the Ruki shopkeeper was not the only Neopet to foresee a new societal need. Although his more targeted approach took years of research before it was ready to release to the Neopian public, when Clarence Chichester Coggeshale launched the Neovian Fashion Fund, it was an immediate success. Following his maxim that “fashion is for everyone,” Clarence has become a familiar sight around Neopia, gifting attire with his hometown’s unique flair to the needy and deserving. Although he lacks the selection offered by the Second-Hand Shoppe, he more than makes up for it with his sharp eye for fit and fashion, and rarely do his beneficiaries find themselves unable and unwilling to use his gifts.

     The Wishing Well

     Another mainstay of the Neopian Plaza, no list of Neopian charities would be complete without the Wishing Well! Asking for only a small donation in return, the Well grants twenty wishes every day, helping Neopia’s slowest shoppers attain some of the most sought-after goods on the market.

     What does a magic well need with the Neopoints, you ask? Well, this reservoir of goodwill in turn hands the contributions over to its neighbour the Money Tree for redistribution to Neopians in need!

     The Wishing Well would like to remind its patrons that even with a deep supply of magic, it’s not a mind reader. Please be clear when making your wishes, or you may not be granted with the item you had in mind!

     The Soup Kitchen

     The very personification of kindness, the Soup Faerie is beloved in all corners of Neopia, from the molten depths of Moltara to the frozen peaks of Terror Mountain. Though she is more discerning than other charities, reserving her free meals for only the neediest of citizens, many find themselves warmed just as much by her radiant smile as they are by her world-famous soups. Whether you’re down on your luck and looking for a bite to eat, or just in need of a few kind words, be sure to stop by her kitchen next time you visit the marketplace just off the Neopian Bazaar. Just remember that the Soup Faerie is no fool, and can distinguish a false pauper at a hundred paces - so don’t bother trying to hide your Neopoints in the bank, in your shop till, or under a rock just for a taste of her savoury stew, because she’ll turn you away with a tolerant smile but with an empty bowl.

     If you would like to get involved, Soup Kitchen donations are accepted at the Money Tree, and the Faerie is always looking for helpers to pick up supplies from the Smoothie Shop.

     I encourage all of Neopia to look to these charities this Season of Giving, for they truly embody what the season is all about: hope, love and generosity. If you can spare a donation, whether it be a few Neopoints, an old wearable or toy collecting dust in your safety deposit box, or even a few moments of your time, I encourage you to reach out to one of these worthy organisations and ask how you can help.

     Happy Day of Giving to all, and a prosperous Y25!