I am also a fan of the Salvation Army. In my years of activity with amateur radio, I had occasion to work with them and also the Red Cross. I still haven't gotten over how shameless the Red Cross was for a photo op. We had a local flood and, of course, the Salvation Army was right there. The Red Cross came only after the media arrived. I swear .... they drove 2 well marked vehicles through the neighborhood to get on camera and then left. The Red Cross, in my opinion, is nothing but a vehicle to raise money over every single opportunity.
Back to the point ....
I agree completely that trusted causes for humankind are worthy charities. Having worked in animal rescue for a number of years, it seems there is an ENDLESS stream of money into those human efforts - although much of it is wasted. The other of God's Creations - our pets - suffer in an endless array of underfunded shelters or are simply killed. My estate, almost all of it, is going to help one or two dedicated local animal shelters.