Click to find out more about the Times charities

The global financial crisis and tough economic climate means charities are struggling as never before to raise funds and meet a sudden surge in demand for their services.

Last year, Times readers helped to raise over £600,000 for good causes whose work changes the lives of millions of people at home and abroad, breaking all previous records. But your generous support this year is even more pressing.

We have chosen to support three charities representing three very different causes that we know Times readers care passionately about.

At a time when concern is mounting about the safety of children from abuse or neglect, the excellent and innovative work of Action for Children is particularly relevant. The charity, formerly known as National Children's Homes, runs numerous projects designed to help children forced to live away from their families and in the care system, from seeking out parents to adopt or foster to supporting young people when they leave care and enter adult life.

Our second charity, Thrive, uses gardening to change the lives of those who have suffered strokes or heart attacks, lost their sight or struggle with mental illness. Simple training techniques from their devoted therapists means anyone can learn how to grow plants, flowers and vegetables champions, and overcome the physical and mental challenges they face.

Our third charity, Pump Aid, works overseas to establish supplies of clean water and safe sanitation in Africa. Over 5,000 children die every day as a result of their poor water supply and 2.6 billion people do not have access to one of life's basic essentials -- a toilet. Pump Aid has developed a simple low-cost pump and lavatory using local products and basic techniques that all communities can learn to install and maintain, guaranteeing a supply of fresh water in their village. Founded by a British student teaching in Africa 10 years ago, the pumps are now prolific in Zimbabwe and spreading to Malawi and Mozambique, with plans to expand into a host of other countries with your help.

Over the next few weeks Times journalists will bring to life the outstanding work that these charities perform every day, of every year. We will meet the people who run the charities and the individuals whom they have helped. Please do show your support for their work by donating today. You can follow our appeal each day in the paper and give money to your chosen charity at www.timesonline.co.uk/timesappeal or using the coupon.