Everyone can do it
By Daphne | October 30, 2007
Can you afford to give? That doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense does it? It seems like not a day goes by that I do not receive a packet requesting money for one cause or another. I consider those that I want to donate to but I have also thought about other opportunities to give.
Give your time. Have you ever been to a theatre or concert and the organization is asking for volunteers in different capacities? You can volunteer for a political campaign but you can volunteer for a community organization that may need your skills as well.
If an organization had to pay a person to write advertisements for them or do other things it would be too expensive. Businesses work out trade agreements for performance with other businesses. For individuals with time, talent and skills that are available that is another resource to give. You may earn free tickets to see a performance but most likely you make work during the performance which gives you a chance to use your best smile while helping out.
Other places where you can give your time would be as an adult volunteer tutor at a school. You can also give small amounts of money to organizations that would really use to the money. Look at the financial giving statements on the back of some of the campaign offers that you receive. I recently received one that said that 88% of the contribution goes toward the cause, the other is for supplies like the mailer I received in my hand.
I purchased a ticket to a play last night and used a different ticketing service - Brown Paper Tickets. At the end when you are checking out, there is an opportunity to choose from three different recipients for a portion of my handling fee. The fee was cheaper but also there was a bonus of helping someone.
In kind donations are also good too! Have an extra pair of shoes in your closet that you don’t like? Clothes that you thought you liked? You can donate items to thrift stores or goodwill shops.
There are tax breaks for certain donations and you can ask for a receipt.
Want to make a smaller donation than what you are asked for? Don’t feel pressured to give only the amount asked for - you can give more or less. If an organization that you belong to calls and asks for money, and their giving levels exceed your comfort level, you can offer an amount you are comfortable with or give to an organization that can use smaller donations that make a big impact like Heifer International or Changing the Present.
If you decide to give money you can do it in small increments. Saving money just to save is like having your fist closed and expecting someone to fill it. You need to take care of your basic needs but there are also others in need too.
Topics: October 2007 |