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The effects of our struggling economy reach far beyond lost jobs, government bailouts, house foreclosures, and Wall Street chaos. Unfortunately, non-profits and charities are also suffering as our economy worsens. People are losing money, or are afraid of losing money, so they cut back on everything, even charitable donations. But, just because we can't afford to contribute as much as we're used to, doesn't mean we should stop contributing entirely.
Some of us may have lost our jobs, lost money in the stock market, or been forced out of our house because we couldn't pay our mortgage...but, at least we don't have to be afraid of malaria, or have a genocide going on in our country. Regardless of the state of our economy, people still suffer from horrible diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. So, don't stop donating! No amount is too small.
This is what I told my friends and family as I raised money for the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk last fall. I had a number of donations that were under $20, and the largest amount I received from one person was $100, but all of those together totaled almost $600, and I was so proud to be able to donate so much to such a worthy cause. Alzheimer's disease is a cause that is close to my heart. My grandmother, who passed away last summer, suffered from dementia for several years, and it was horrible to watch her deteriorate. I plan on participating in the walk as many years as I can and continuing to raise as much money as possible because I believe that one day there will be a cure, and people won't have to suffer like my grandma and my family did.
So, pick a cause that's important to you, or one that you find worthwhile. Donate $5 every month, or every other month, or whenever you can. Skip going out to lunch one day, and you'll make up for the money just like that. Don't think that small an amount will make a difference? It will. Check out Nothing But Nets. A $10 donation covers the entire cost of one bed net to protect people in Africa from malaria. Just ten dollars can save a life. Some Americans have it pretty bad right now, but it could always be worse. So, don't stop giving!
Samantha: Great post! I'm so glad to see such encouragement for charities, especially as they are in such need, especially now.
You're absolutely right that in such tough times, people tend to withhold charitable donations, but with so many people doing so, it's the NPOs and charities and those that they help that suffer.
I really do believe that people want to help, only they're unsure of how to do so, especially if they can't afford a huge monetary donation. But charities accept help in all forms, including volunteer work and product donations.
Around the holidays, I stocked up on toys and treats for under a dollar each and brought that, along with some old bedding, to the local humane society as a donation. I wanted to help, but I couldn't afford much. When I got there, I was so touched to see how many donations they had received -- towels, sheet sets, bags of dog food were all spilling out into the lobby.
If everyone gives a little, as you and I have both seemed to witness, it can go such a long way.
Also: charitable donations are tax-deductible. Maybe that can be the extra push. ;)
Great post! People shouldn't feel prohibited from giving just because it may not be a certain amount. Something is better than nothing. In the event people are not able to give, your time is just as if not even better.
Excellent post, and definitely a point that needs to be made. I work for a nonprofit and it is so hard to generate any kind of revenue right now, so I know how that goes. I definitely agree people should keep giving, even if it small -- a little bit does make a difference.
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