For me this is the animals. They cannot thank you - they can only show immense love to the humans they rely on for protection, food, water, love.
This year I elected to sponsor a "Socialisation Run" at our local SPCA. These runs give the animals a little bit of grass to run on and a spot of sunshine on days which for them are very bleak. I admire the work that the SPCA does in helping all animals and this was just a small way for me to give back.
http://www.kloofspca.co.za/index.php/kennels-cattery/sociallisation-runs