How Much to Give
Booker T. Washington once said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.” This statement is as true today as it was then. Not only is charitable giving a necessary part of society, it’s also a fantastic way to make yourself feel better. The fantastic thing about philanthropy is that it doesn’t have to be about writing a big check.
Where the Money Goes
People often wonder where the money they give to charities will go. That depends largely on the charity. Goodwill Industries, for example, uses the money to help people get training they need so they can get good jobs, and keep those jobs. The Humane Society uses the money to provide care, and hopefully find homes, for the hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals that are dumped on their steps every year. Your local church uses the money for an amazing range of things. Many churches help people pay their rent when they are unemployed and struggling, for instance. Some also provide assistance for struggling families who need help buying school supplies for their children. Churches are also well known for sending funding overseas to help missionaries in third world countries.
Other than Money
Money is always preferred, as it can be used to cover administrative expenses and other operating expenses. But there are many ways to be charitable. Donate your old glasses when you get a new pair. Give old blankets and bedding to homeless shelters and even animal shelters. Pick up canned food on sale and add it to your church’s food pantry. When renovating a house and pulling off fixtures that are still in excellent condition, consider Habitat for Humanity. The next time your local school is having a bake sale, send in some brownies or cookies. Donate gently used coats and gloves to Coats for Kids. Take your unwanted household items to Goodwill so they can resell them and add money to their cause. There are always charitable drives going on right in your area, and most of them require nothing more than giving gently used items to a charity rather than throwing them out.
Your Time
One thing that people often don’t consider is donating their time. Many organizations find that the money coming in is acceptable, but they don’t have enough volunteers to put it to good use. Volunteer to serve meals at the local soup kitchen. Talk to your church about volunteer opportunities in the area. You don’t have to be a Goodwill employee to go in and help sort donations. Visit the local animal shelter and walk dogs. Offer your time to help tutor students who are struggling with reading or math.
How Much to Give
This is incredibly personal, and nearly impossible to answer. How much to give depends largely on what you’re comfortable with. Many churches recommend tithing ten percent, to help cover their own expenses, as well as covering the charitable aspect. Some churches ask only for the equivalent of one hours pay a week, whatever that may be in your case. Here is the bottom line: there is no such thing as too small a donation. There are roughly 396 thousand people living in the city of Cleveland. Imagine for a moment that every person gave one single dollar to the local soup kitchen, now think about how many more meals that kitchen could provide. Obviously, giving more is always better. But if all you can afford at the moment is a dollar, then give that dollar and know that it will combine with other dollars to become a very powerful force.
This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thanks for the great post. People need to think before they give
Just gives us all Hope LOVE IT!!! Thank you so very much.
People should think first then only give. Money is not the only thing. Thanks for giving us suggestions.
I know you are doing great job by donating to the various charities. The charities really do great work for international communities by raising fund in the rich and developed countries like US, Canada, UK, Australia and many more. You are one of the charity hero for doing great job of a sense-full person.
Awesome job. This world need people like you.
Wonderful! you are the one amongst billions. Keep it up.
Excellent article on various ways to give back to society – even when you are low on cash. “Here is the bottom line: there is no such thing as too small a donation.” Something is better than nothing.
Keep fighting the good fight jason!
Jason Hope
Great suggestions Jason. Its true you do not have to just give cash to help someone out. Even some good advice is good enough.
Jason Hope
Keep doing the good work, Jason!
Jason Hope
Website is useful Thankyou for the imformation provided by jason hope
I very much enjoyed this article. Thanks Jason Hope.
jason hope
Jason Hope
Great!
Keep it up Jason Hope!
Love thy neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have unto you. These proverbs are timeless and true. Always give to others as you would treat or give to yourself. Selfless and benevolent acts from the heart is my motto. Thanks Jason Hope.
nice job jason hope!!
good job
Just an awesome site! Thanks a lot Jason Hope!
Hi, Jason Hope. I appreciate you writing about this. Giving charity is something we should all try to do.
Such an awesome post, Jason Hope is a great idea and shows what we can all give!
Very informative post. Keep up the good work jason hope!
jason hope, thanks for the good info.
jason hope, Thank you for providing tha tinformation. Pleased…
great advice jason hope!
jason hope
This was a great great article, Goodluck!
jason hope
Thank you for providing tha tinformation. Jason Hope
Jason hope
Jason hope
Jason Hope
Great thing jason hope. Well said
It is a wonderful reminder of this important issue. Always makes me aware of how much we are all vulnerable.
It’s nice to see someone like Jason Hope discussing an issue that is overlooked so often in our society. Good job!
jason hope
Jason Hope
Awesome article…..keep fighting man!! Jason Hope
jason hope
Jason hope great story!
Great article
jason hope