Charity Is More Vital Now Than Ever

“Charity begins at home”, proclaims a time-tested adage. There may be some truth in that but in these times if you have a roof over you, clothes on your back and someone to love and who loves you it is time to explore the needs of others-- opportunities abound.  Classified ads beg for volunteers especially with the advent of winter. It might not be possible for you to drop everything and head to Haiti, Indonesia, Africa or some other far-flung place; but maybe you can send a contribution. Charity enhances the quality of life for others and you. And there are prospects on your block, school and community. You will find people who are hurt —especially after two years of hammering by this economy. Inventory your clothing; there’s bound to be items you no longer wear but would be gratefully worn by someone less fortunate. If money is not a viable option for you, join organizations such as Meals-on-Wheels; you can take an hour or two each month to deliver what may be the only hot meal a homebound person may eat that day! Free classifieds are a good place to start on the road to helping. Giving money is made so easy and painless via payroll deductions to charitable organizations that provide for the welfare of others. Many corporations will match your contribution, so it’s like giving twice! You also have instant proof of your largesse for the IRS. By doing so you can often designate the recipient of your choice; battered women shelters, The Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Big Brothers and Sisters—are a few large ones. But charity is not just about money; it is about simple acts of kindness and consideration, too. Nor is it about age. Why not run errands or shovel the walk of a feeble neighbor. Help a working parent by minding a child; teach one to read or help with homework. Simple acts can be meaningful in times of need. Who needs a ride to worship or shop or work? Who would like the company of another human being once or twice a week? A phone call? Who would enjoy home—cooked food occasionally?Students can turn lemons into lemonade if they wish. While it has been widely reported that 50% of college graduates can’t find work it is also true that there are many opportunities for graduates to apply their skills and energies to needy causes around the world. Those students who have chosen such a path display a maturity which later makes them more appealing to a prospective employer and gives them a greater appreciation for life and people. Moreover, by planning on a stint doing community service one can receive free or subsidized tuition. It is a win—win! Sometimes we are guilty of paralysis by analysis when it comes to charity. As we watch news reports about disasters we often wring our hands by seemingly endless requests for charity which are beyond our means and imagination; we become inured. But if we first look locally at little things that we can do to improve the human condition it is a good start.