It should come as no surprise that local nonprofit organizations are frantically vying for end-of-year contributions. As another tough economic year comes to a close, charitable organizations are banking on the holiday spirit to open checkbooks.

In a giving mood? Here's a look at three local nonprofits in need.

The Henry Ford

"This is a critical time in Michigan's history, one that poses epic challenges to our state and especially our region, and we need your help more than ever," Henry Ford Museum urged in the mid-December e-mail fundraising effort. "Please join us in inspiring both this generation of innovators and the next by ringing in the new year with a contribution to The Henry Ford."

The Henry Ford–which encompasses the museum, IMAX Theater, Ford Rouge Factory and Benson Ford Research Center–provides educational and entertainment opportunities, including exhibits, special events and tours, to more than 1.6 million visitors per year.

To learn more, or to make a contribution, visit www.thehenryford.org.

American Red Cross

Looking to donate in a non-monetary way? The American Red Cross, which has a local office in west Dearborn, is in dire need of blood donations.

The Dearborn office will be holding a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Dec. 28. The doors are open every Thursday to Type O blood donors–the most-needed blood type.

To learn more, or to make a financial contribution, visit www.redcross.org.

Dearborn Animal Shelter

Dearborn Animal Shelter Executive Director Elaine Greene explained that she and her staff had been working overtime to ensure not only that donations keep coming in, but that as many animals as possible find homes.

"This is our busiest time of year," a worn-out Greene said just days before Christmas, on her day off–but still in the office. "This is the time of year when people think about taking a pet into their home, so we try to encourage as many people as possible to come to the shelter."

The shelter launched its "12 Strays of Christmas" fundraiser earlier this month, with the goal of raising $12,000 in 12 days, all while boosting adoptions. Efforts began with a mailing and Facebook promotion, and continued with the 12 Strays of Christmas soiree at the Glass Academy Dec. 10 and 11, with "Pupcatso" paintings created by shelter animals up for bid.

However, despite all efforts, as of Dec. 21, about $5,000 was raised, and Greene explained that the fundraiser would continue through Jan. 1.

To learn more about the shelter, or to make a contribution, visit www.dearborn-animals.com.