OT: The spirit of giving
As we come into Christmas week, I want to encourage all of us to be generous to others, and to support causes that are important to us. This really is important for everyone, even if you don't have much, or are young. Generosity isn't about how much you give. Generosity is about giving how much you can.
This isn't about what you believe. You can celebrate Festivus, Hannukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwaanza, Christmas, none of them, or all of them. Doesn't matter. Generosity is good, regardless of your belief system.
There are a ton of causes you can support. I think pretty much everyone here is internet savvy enough to do research and make sure you are giving to a cause where most of the funds go to those in need, rather than to administration costs, etc.
Some of you will say that you have nothing to give. That may be true. But at least give of your time and your energy to serve others. Some of you will say "I give to beveled guilt" or "to myself." Those really are almost the same. I mean, everyone on this board should give something to mgoblog, but that isn't a charity for the needy.
Here are some well known examples (mostly linked) you can support:
- #chadtough
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UofM Financial Aid (LSA, at least)
- Often, there are small organizations that can really use your help a lot, and your help goes a long way for them. Of course, help whoever you want to help, but I know, for instance, that more overhead and administration costs go to United Way and Food for the Poor, and they are large and well funded. Look for someone small who is making a difference out there. I can guarantee, a local organization will really appreciate your help. I'll give you a personal example. My church has given away more than a million pounds of food over the last 10 years. We are looking to double what we give away, and are planning to build a dedicated building exclusively for this purpose. It has taken us years, but we now have about $150,000 and hope to break ground after Easter. We still are raising money for indoor plumbing and a walk in freezer and shelving for pallets. We'll get there when we get there. My point is, a small church can really use your help, and an organization that has donations in the hundreds of millions? It isn't as critical.
- More than giving money, give of yourself. We read great stories of Michigan football players and basketball players going to Mott, and reaching out in the community. You can do the same thing, and should do the same thing. Go anonymously, if you want to maintain your exterior curmudgeonly persona. But find someplace to serve.
- If you have been blessed, and really don't need more hannukkah gelt or Christmas gifts, give people the option to support causes that are important to you. That way, you won't have to deal with any tacky Christmas sweaters or ties or cologne you'll never use and which clutter your closet. And they don't have to waste time trying to find you the perfect gift.
December 19th, 2015 at 5:44 PM ^
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December 19th, 2015 at 5:49 PM ^
Very nice sentiment, advice, and nominations. All the best for the success of your church initiative.
December 19th, 2015 at 6:01 PM ^
Most presents I get those close to our family are donations made in their name to organizations that do good work. I have previously worked in the nonprofit world and know how much a donation can go.
I'm not religious in the traditional sense. My Mom's family is Ojibwe, and we were passed down those indigenous beliefs. But when I see a church group doing good for the community, I do not hesitate to donate time or money.
I implore all of you to please remember Veterans during this time of the year. I am a Marine (1999-2003) and I just lost a best friend to PTSD. If you have a veteran you care about, please reach out to them and let them know you are there and that you care. If you don't have a veteran you know, please consider donating to a local veteran support group.
December 19th, 2015 at 6:11 PM ^
Strong second to remembering Vets. Vets, and also those actively serving. Our daughter in the Navy doesn't have leave from her ship over Christmas, and we know the holidays will be hard. If you know someone serving, or who served, support them as best you can.
December 19th, 2015 at 6:10 PM ^
December 19th, 2015 at 6:14 PM ^
Sorry to hear that. Don't give up. There are definitely ways to serve and organizations who would welcome your help. I will say, because of the litigious nature of society, it becomes more important to do background checks on those who serve if you can't personally vouch for them. We have used many community service workers, and volunteers from the community. While it is mostly good, there are sometimes challenges.
December 19th, 2015 at 6:36 PM ^
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December 19th, 2015 at 6:36 PM ^
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December 19th, 2015 at 10:18 PM ^
December 20th, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^
Salvation Army's will be glad to have you as a volunteer. My son works there all the time for free. Another one is your local convolesent center they are always happy to have volunteers even if its just to read a book to some folks who are blind or going blind. My father was disabled later in his life but still could walk and or get around and he would volunteer at the convolesant center alot before he passed away. Possibly his way of asking for forgiveness in case going to confession wasn't working : )
December 19th, 2015 at 6:33 PM ^
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December 20th, 2015 at 9:44 AM ^
to Purple Heart, Salvation Army, also Goodwill, Habitat, and other charitible organizations, including (and especially) ones that are local in nature.
One thing to beware of, though: watch out for the "for profit" collection boxes you see all over, such as gas station parking lots, street corners and sidewalks, supermarket parking lots and other places. Two imposter boxes in particular that come to mind are "USAgain" and "Planet Aid" , but there are others, too, such as some of the book drop-off boxes.
Please--- Simply google the name of any collection box and do some quick research, as many of them sort those goods and send them overseas to sell at huge profits without a dime going to charity. Some of them display vague wording that (at first glance) make it appear your donations help the needy when in fact it only lines the pockets of the owners of such companies. Giving your goods to these non-charities does nothing but keep them out of the hands of legit charitable organizations.
December 19th, 2015 at 6:35 PM ^
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December 19th, 2015 at 6:36 PM ^
December 19th, 2015 at 6:40 PM ^
One thing I'd add to the OP is to try and keep from judging at this time of year as well. It's not important why someone's in need, they all need help. I often hear people say "they brought it on theirselves" or things of that nature but at the end of the day they need help too. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone on the blog!
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December 19th, 2015 at 7:08 PM ^
Amen to that. If you can build a connection to someone, and invest in them, that is way, way better than many options. It takes more time and energy, but it means a lot more. I mean, getting money and food and toys is nice and all, but if someone is connected to it, that is even better. Great suggestion.
December 20th, 2015 at 4:25 PM ^
We would make up a couple/three baskets of unperishables and the school would tip us off on a couple/three houses to drop them off at. We would do it late a very quietly. It really was quite rewarding for us in teaching our children to give and not take this time of year.
December 19th, 2015 at 7:12 PM ^
December 19th, 2015 at 7:22 PM ^
I have read several articles about this phenomena. So many people are switching over to hi def flat screens, there is a flood of large CRT TV's, and absolutely no one wants them. People don't want them in their homes, Salvation Army and Goodwill can't give them away, and landfills and recycling centers charge money to accept them. So don't blame Salvation Army too much: they would definitely take something if it was salable. But large, heavy, bulky TV's are not salable.
December 19th, 2015 at 10:16 PM ^
December 20th, 2015 at 4:33 PM ^
I found it rediculous and kinda embarressing that they would not except shirts or pants with holes in them or a missing button, on otherwise perfectly fine pants or shirts. So my wife mended them for us and we saved some money in purchasing new clothes. I had no idea WE needed them... lol
December 19th, 2015 at 10:13 PM ^
And I did give to Beveled Guilt ( mgoblog). I think it is important to remember and recognize and appreciate the community that we have here.
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December 19th, 2015 at 10:23 PM ^
December 20th, 2015 at 6:20 AM ^
Giving back really is one of the best things you can do, and I do want to echo the OP's suggestion of giving locally (or taking a quick look at the financials of a larger organization) in order to maximize the good that a donation can bring. I got a small raise at work this year and decided to put about half of it towards giving every month. I can find lots of things to spend $50 on for myself, but researching and giving to charities has taught me a lot about what needs there are out there.