A sad song, a celebrity and a TV ad ask for money to help a charitable effort. Moved to tears, you go to the website and donate. Maybe you call its 800 number. Commercials give the perception that a charity is safe, solid. The immediacy drives donations nationally.
Consider Donating to a Local Charity
Actually, charities needing the most help aren’t on TV, they’re too small. Find a local charity, right around the corner, in your city, or your state. Managed by people with the guts and commitment to make a difference, small charities can’t afford expensive commercials, celebrities or TV time. Consider supporting a local charity and drop the donation in the mail. It may not have a website, but you can find its address in the yellow pages online.
Charities are Struggling…TO HELP
Charities help abandoned children, the homeless, disabled seniors, neglected and abused animals, endangered wildlife, research to end disease. If you need proof and have to see what a charity really does, then take a visit or be a volunteer for a day. Find out firsthand what goes on and you’re likely to get a wake up call. But you’ll understand where help is needed and know what it’s like for charities that are struggling to help.
Two Dollars = Two Miracles
Charities know how to stretch a penny, so every dollar received is like a miracle coming through the door. No amount is too small. Give what you can. Understaffed and overworked staff divide dollars into food, medical care, clothing, bedding, housing for those they help. Giving $2 to a charity may seem a small act, but it means a lot.
Give What Charities Want and Need Most
Small charities make big differences saving lives and doing the work that most people don’t have the heart for. Choose a little charity, stick with it and go by and lend a hand. Go to its fundraisers. Donate needed items. Volunteer during hard times. Write a newsletter. Sponsor a food drive. There are many ways to give what charities want and need most. Money, yes. But in hard times, volunteering is priceless.
Who Will You Help Today?
©2010 Rebekah Brown
