Charity

Every year, I send checks totaling right at one thousand dollars to various charities, not including donating scholarship funds to my former colleges.  It's not a lot of money, but it's my contribution to organizations that do good for a variety of people who need extra help with their lives. I'm happy to be a small part of the bigger picture, but this year -- well, it feels that I haven't sent enough and need to do more if I read all the "begging" letters in my mailbox.

The holiday season is big for playing on the sympathies of people like me who feel like they should "do something" to help with the problems plaguing our society. My mailbox is flooded with appeals for help from numerous charities/organizations who do what I don't do. I'm not going to walk the streets giving handouts to the homeless, so I donate to charities that do help those people with basic necessities.  I'm not going to work with the doctors without borders who do such a tremendous job of helping those less fortunate than the average American.  Another organization comes to the Coachella Valley twice a year and provides dental services for those who otherwise would not have that option. There are food kitchens open and doing an amazing job of serving food to those who would do without if the kitchens were to close. I give to organizations who are trying to save animal species from extinction; I give to organizations who help those who are on the streets or in situations that are fragile from day-to-day. I support the Wounded Warriors Project, and the list goes on.

For me, writing a check seems … too easy, but it's my little way of saying I support all the people who make it their life's work to help others.  If we all gave, those who do the footwork on a daily basis wouldn't have to wonder where the next dollar is going to come from to keep their charity open and serving those in need. A thousand dollars spread over the course of a year is doable for most people if they really try to make donating a priority in their lives. I can't save the world, but I can help those who dedicate their lives to at least trying to make a difference.