Do You Give To Any Charities This Time Of Yr?
By KrauseHome
@KrauseHome (36447)
United States
November 24, 2008 3:55am CST
I know we have many here who come from various backgrounds and lifestyles, as well as Financial backgrounds as well. But I was wondering with the Holidays here upon us, do you give to any Special type of charity this time of yr, or do you feel that it is a waste of time?
Personally, when I can afford it, I Love to give back to the Community and will do it any way I can. I have given of my time and $$ more that I can remember for some things, and always trying to find New ways to help them out as well. I had to be in a Shelter this time of yr. back in the late 80s or early 90s so I can relate to being along over the Holidays, or not having enough to make ends meet. Usually I will donate some to our Church fund, and the Salvation Army, etc. as well as giving to the giving tree, Toys For Tots, etc. as well. I Love giving to others and knowing someones face will be lighting up a little brighter knowing someone was there to help them out along the way as well.
Have you done so this yr. or do you feel it is not worth it, or one of those who will be hopefully getting some much needed help out there as well?
~~TINA~~
6 people like this
31 responses
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
24 Nov 08
Yes, I usually donate clothes to the Salvation Army. And I have done this in September. I gave so much of my baby clothes for my daughters away. I love donating clothes to others. It makes me feel very good. I like to see others very happy and smiling. I never throw away good clothing. Someone could use them..
Giving is something that I enjoy doing most of the time..
Giving is something that I enjoy doing most of the time..2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
1 Dec 08
So True, So True, So True. I have seen so many people throw away clothing so many times, and really wish that until something is really ready for the garbage more people could make sure it is passed on.
@bennystc88 (178)
•
25 Nov 08
I think the last charity I dontated to was Children in Need, a few days ago.
@bennystc88 (178)
•
25 Nov 08
*I think if you can give money to charity it could really help them,but its not just about the money there are other ways to help as well such as volunteer work,maybe sending gift aids and showing support where you can. Fundraising could be a good idea,then even if you can't afford to give-you may still be able to earn for charity.
@whittby (3072)
• United States
27 Nov 08
I see the Salvation Army bell ringers are out now. I usually give all my spare change every time I go by one. Lately, I haven't had any money in my wallet - using the debit card and sparingly at that.
I justify not giving by the fact that I work for a non profit now and we are killing ourselves getting ready to provide toys and necessities to foster children at Christmas. I sure wish I could contribute more, but it isn't there to give right now.
@simplyshawn (650)
• United States
24 Nov 08
We give to our church on a regular basis and our church helps in natural disasters on a national level. We help in other ways locally as well.
This year I made two baby quilts and I'm taking it to my MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) meeting tomorrow and we are going to tie the quilts. I will finish the edges and then donate them to a local mission rescue in the same town.
It's fun to do and the sewing is something I enjoy occasionally and since my husband won't allow me to keep everything i make, I want to give it to someone who really needs a warm blanket. So I'm really looking forward to donating these quilts. Hopefully this winter I can make some more.
@ClassyCat (1214)
• United States
25 Nov 08
That's what I love about this nation - - many
are givers, and people that do what they can
to help others in a time of need.
I am another one that gives when and where I can.
A couple of years ago, I got some checks from one
of my credit card companies, and I decided to write
a check for $600 (cash) and gave some to a lady at
my job, who was having a hard time. She was sick,
had just gone through a divorce, and had no money
for getting any presents for her little boy. The
money I gave her bought a perscription that she
needed and didn't have the money for - and she had
enough for a present or two for her son, and enough for
a small Christmas dinner.
I sent some of the money to a friend back home, who
was also having it tough. She said when she opened it,
she cried, because it came just in time to pay a bill that
she didn't have the money for. And - the last little I had
I gave to a lady at my church, whose husband was in prison,
and she too, was going through a rough time of it.
That particular Christmas was very special for me. I was
working then, and had some extra to do that with, but this
year I am no longer working, and as a senior citizen, I
don't have a lot to spend - - but I'm sure I'll figure out
some way to bless someone, somehow.
Hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving, and God Bless
America !
@Erssyl (617)
• Philippines
29 Nov 08
Giving or sharing what we can afford to share in any charity is not just for this time of the year.It is not a waste of time giving to them when we can see that they are really helping those who really needs help.In my own opinion it is better to give a certain amount to charities that we know anytime ,rather than giving alms to mendigants in the street.We are not always sure if we really helped them the right way.I find time sharing with 7oo club asia.I feel happy knowing my share can help a lot.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
26 Nov 08
My friends and I have all decided to donate to pet charities in each other names instead of gift. In all the charities I have chosen have been able to donate using the "Holiday Donations" so each of my friends get a Christmas e-card on Christmas Day advising them of the gift.
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
25 Nov 08
I have donated things to Value Village, but I have not had that much to donate to charities other then giving offerings. I do not do that just once a year, but throughout the year. I just got my full pension and since I am borderline diabetic, I have to watch my budget. There are a couple of charities that I am interested in, but I do not know if I can afford to give to both of them.
@cortney09 (1345)
• United States
27 Nov 08
If I had the money, I would give monetarily in a heart beat. Since I don't though I try to donate to Goodwill when I can. I hope to someday have enough money where I can help people, but being on disability and food stamps, doesn't make it easy. I have always wanted to do for others though because it makes a person feel good. I used to use my summer days (when I was to young to work) to volunteer at the local nursing home. I hope to be able to do something like that again.
@quinnkl (1667)
• United States
26 Nov 08
We try to give all year long, but more this time of year. We donate food and clothes to shelters and missions. We give to Salvation Army at every we visit that they are there. I give to various health organizations when I can. Even though money is tight this year, we still find some way to give back. My son went through all of his old toy storeage containers last year, and we ended up giving many toys to the shelters (especially women's shelters) as well as clothes and food and I had some books I knew I would never read again, so we gave those away as well. It just feels so good to give to those who you know need it and will appreciate it.
@Monki883 (54)
• United States
27 Nov 08
Yes I do we have a charity here that is for abused women & children,, we always give to them,,if not in money then by baking things for thier thanksgiving & christmas dinners & I have found a use for all those free samples I get throuhout the year,, I decorate a basket & at christmas time and take it there & leave it in the common area,,it really helps those that come with out the necessities such as soap,shampoo,conditioner,,also go to the dollar store & get tooth brishes & tooth paste to take there,they always seem to enjoy even the simpliest of things.
@messageme (2821)
• United States
27 Nov 08
I don't give to any charities, but I don't think it is a waste of time either....My family is a charity case...we need all the help we can get this yr just to make ends meet and there is no where that can help.
@11strikes (66)
• United States
26 Nov 08
I regularly drop off some used but still good clothes to the Salvation Army regularly, at least once a year. I am not a believer in giving out money to donate. I would rather share my time and efforts to activities like the Special Olympics or volunteer work for the community. This way I can see how and where my time and effort went. A lot of people are now thinking where all the money goes. I think you know what I mean.
@timou87 (1638)
• Singapore
25 Nov 08
i try to give whenever i can, it doesn't have to be around the holidays, but i do notice myself being more generous during the festive seasons. perhaps it is the psychological impact of the holiday spirit that might make people more generous in general? i also make use of the new year to clear some items that i might not want anymore and donate them to thrift stores, or to shelters that might be in need of such items.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
25 Nov 08
The only charity I give to this time of year is the kettle for the Salvation Army. Life is expensive these days and even the pennies I find on the ground usually end up in savings. But, I do scrounge around in the bottom of my purse to drop some coins into that old kettle.
@kat_princess (1470)
• Philippines
25 Nov 08
We go to orphanages during Christmas and my sister gives toys to the kids.It's nice to teach kids like her to reach out to less fortunate kids an to make her realize how lucky she is to have a home and a family.
@cher8558 (425)
• Canada
25 Nov 08
Hi friends,
You know I am a giver. I get more pleasure out of giving to people than anything I receive. Unfortunately this year I am disabled and we are now a one income family with three children. We are the ones that need charity this year.
But in the past, yes I have give to the Salvation Army, various animal shelters and women's shelters. So I give when I can and love to do so.
Cheryl
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
25 Nov 08
I give time, money, and donations of food and clothing all year long. 
We have food drives at our local grocery stores. People can pick up an extra item and put it in the basket on their way out. It's nice and easy to give that way. I will buy something and donate it. I don't have much money, but I can afford an extra something to help feed people less well off than me.
I also give time with the dog and cat rescues. A lot of time, because sometimes I need to raise an orphaned animal and it's hard work.
I also give time to a disability access group. We have succeeded in having ramps and textured paving installed in most major intersections and parking areas downtown. I also go into the schools and talk with the kids, educating them on people with disabilities.
We have food drives at our local grocery stores. People can pick up an extra item and put it in the basket on their way out. It's nice and easy to give that way. I will buy something and donate it. I don't have much money, but I can afford an extra something to help feed people less well off than me.
I also give time with the dog and cat rescues. A lot of time, because sometimes I need to raise an orphaned animal and it's hard work.
I also give time to a disability access group. We have succeeded in having ramps and textured paving installed in most major intersections and parking areas downtown. I also go into the schools and talk with the kids, educating them on people with disabilities. 
