Charity

When one thinks of the word Charity, a few thoughts come to mind.

• “Crap, they want money again!”
• “That’s what you do when you want a tax break.“
• “You have to have money to give money.“
• “I don’t have time to dedicate to such a venture.”

Everyone thinks that time and money will be required, and we don’t really have it to give.

Not the case.

Let’s backtrack a minute and find what the definition of Charity really is:

1.  generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless.

2.  something given to a person or persons in need.

So if we are charged with giving to assist those in need, but don’t feel we have time or money, how can we participate?

You just have to get over that feeling that you can’t and do it anyway!

We all may not have excess cash laying around.  In a recovering economy after a recession, our first thought is to hang on to all you’ve got.  A similar thought process happened after the “Great Depression”.  It’s important to take care of you and yours first.

For those of us who have careers and ventures that demand our time, it seems impossible to carve out time during the day to volunteer for programs.  Between the job, running schedules, and plans with family, the calendar just doesn’t open up.

So what does it take to be “charitable”?

It takes desire.

You have got to want to make a difference in someone’s life.

There are lots of great causes in this country.  Many of which has touched each of your lives in some form or fashion.

Some thought starters for you:

• Natural Disaster victims (Earthquakes, Floods, etc.),
• Cancer victims and their families,
• Those who suffer from heart disease,
• Kids who can’t get adopted,
• People who suffer from depression,
• Women who have been abused by their spouses,
• Terminally ill children,
• Kids who can’t afford musical instruments or playground equipment,
• Teachers who can’t afford supplies for their students,
• Military men and women who gave their lives and left loved ones behind,
• Families who have lost their place to live,
• Pets who have been left with no children to hug them,
• Police and Fire personnel who gave all in order to save yours,
• …more bad things can go here as you think of them.

So, find a charity that touches your soul.  Something, that when you think about it a minute, brings a tear to the corner of your eye.

Now put yourself in the shoes of these people who can’t do for themselves in these circumstances.  How helpless do they feel?

Giving of your time and money is one of the most inconvenient but rewarding thing you can do.

Don’t pick a cause because you felt compelled to.

Pick one because you want to.

And carve some cash and clock to dedicate to it.

Small or large.

Help each other, one person at a time.

__________

Another note, before I stop.

Check out your charity before you give @ http://www.charitynavigator.org/