If you’re like me, you enjoy giving presents, and this time of the year I get to really focus on the art of gift giving. Now I’m not into the commercialism that has people stampeding department stores or being aggressive and a little crazy. I like to give gifts throughout the year, and when it’s a holiday or birthday, well even better.
Charitable organizations throughout the world are suffering from the US economy this year, probably the most dramatic decline in charitable giving since 9/11. That’s a real tragedy in and of itself, because those organizations do bold and noble things like: save the polar bears, work to end hunger and poverty in the USA and abroad, teach teenage mothers job and life skills, raise awareness of domestic violence and offer safe haven for those in danger, and so many more life enhancing missions. So is there a way to balance the emotional high from giving a gift, meet gift giving obligations, and make the world a better place?
This year, I chose to donate money to Heifer International in honor of my family members. I also adopted a homeless cat and donated to the non-profit rescue organization in honor of some friends. If I could comfortably donate more of my income, I would. Because this year, folks need it even more than usual. And they need it more than I do.
So as I’m filled with a sense of gratitude for the gifts and people in my life, and as I look forward to the possibilities of the New Year, I am also grateful for the opportunity to share my good fortunes with those who need some good fortune. If you want to give something that means a lot, dig a little deeper and find some room for the charity of your choice. The gift of spirit you’ll receive will last through the season of giving.
Come January, when non-profits will struggle to balance their budgets for the year, consider taking that December gift and turning it into a smaller, monthly stipend. Most charities offer monthly sustainer programs and are able to make your donation go even further, as it adds to their monthly cash reserve.
Since December is the month of giving, many charities have to pray for a windfall of holiday donations to carry them through the first several months of the New Year, because donations tend to dry up after the holiday season passes. However, the clients they serve are in need of help 12 months out of the year. Maybe you can be someone’s hero this holiday season, or even offer a resource for hope in 2009.
Tags: budgets, charity, donate, donations, gifts, giving, non-profit
