Detroit Charity Organizations That Are Making A Difference In 2012 (PHOTOS)

The holidays are historically a time for giving -- and Metro Detroit definitely has no shortage of good causes that could use a little help. How much time and money the public has to give this year, however, is still yet to be decided.

Charitable giving on a nationwide level increased last year by about 4%, from $286.91 billion in 2010 to $298.42 billion in 2011, according to research done by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. But it's hard to say how much Michiganders will give this year due to the expiration of Michigan's charitable contribution tax credit last December.

No matter how much you have to give, we've compiled a list of ten Southeast Michigan organizations that could really use your aid -- or your time. Along with more well-known charities like the Gleaners Community Food Bank, we've included several local charitable medical clinics, a group supporting Detroit's beleaguered public safety workers and even a local space committed to helping refugees. Click through the slideshow below to learn more about these dedicated Detroit-area organizations making people's lives a little bit better 365 days a year.