Every week at the food box pantry where I sometimes volunteer, a middle-aged man brings two or three sacks of food to give to people getting food boxes. He has done this for years now. Why? Because at one time he was homeless, and received help from this place. Help in receiving food, getting clothing, and eventually moving into permanent housing. He is eager to share his limited resources with other people who are struggling.
Some of the people who have the least are the most generous. I have witnessed men who were camping out give their blankets to someone who seemed to need it more than they did. Many people on the street willingly offer to share food and other things.
We can all help by donating time, money, or goods. We all have something to share.
Some corporate cultures require joining in pledging to a large charitable organization. "We want to have 100% participation of all employees again this year," is the message. In some work places participation is expected and almost required. If that's the case, sign up. But look for additional opportunities to share.
When you invest in a company, you do appropriate research on the organization and it's prospects. Some of the best investments are in small, little-known companies who occupy a special niche because of their unique product or service. You have to seek them out, but the returns are often greater than just investing in the normal, well-known corporations.
It's a similar situation with non-profits. If you give money, research where your donation goes. If it is a small organization, it probably doesn't have a lot of overhead. Your contribution goes directly to service. It has more impact than a gift to a large organization, which may have a full staff and a lot of administrative overhead. Those large organizations do good work, and deserve support. But your dollar does more in a smaller, more flexible operation. Many small, faith-based organizations are volunteer-driven. They don't receive large grants, but rely on donations of money and time from individual supporters. The small organizations don't normally get much publicity. They provide needed services, operating effectively but in obscurity year after year.
What can I share? What can I do? An hour or two a week can make a difference in a program. An hour spent helping someone increase their literacy skills, an hour spent teaching someone computer skills, an hour helping in an art class, can make a difference in someone’s life. The person you work with and you will both benefit. And, it won't cost you anything but a little time. Almost all of us have some time to give.
You may have business skills that are necessary for a successful operation of a small non-profit organization. If you have experience in accounting, strategic planning, legal assistance, promotion, fund-raising, or some other skill, there is an organization than needs you.
I met a graphic designer who is helping develop materials for a couple of small organizations. She is donating her creative talents to create brochures and designs for non-profit organizations that work with homeless and low-income residents.
While attending the Otis Parson School of Design in Los Angeles, she created a book as part of a project assignment. She spent time at the Catholic Worker Hospitality Kitchen, talking with volunteers and guests, and recorded her experience in words and pictures. It became a beautiful book.
The last page of the book contains these words: "I am so grateful to Hospitality Kitchen and all those involved there for opening my eyes to an answer about poverty … The organization runs on money and food donated by people who care about this continual crisis. Their dedication is inspiring to say the least. This book … satisfies the arresting thought that I will be swept up into the world of design and forget that that guy out on the street, is my brother."
That encounter with the results of homelessness changed her outlook and her life. She resolved to not become totally immersed in the commercial world of advertising and design, but vowed to help nonprofit organizations with her talents. She has not forgotten that that man on the street is her brother.
We all have something to give. What will you share to help your sisters and brothers?
