How do u choose which type of charity to donate monies to?
By vanny
@vandana7 (100617)
India
August 13, 2009 6:19am CST
Each year, there are income tax exemptions are offered for giving donations to specified charities. Not being very rich, I am always in a dilemma. There are several types of social objectives that can do with help, but the amount of resources are limited. Do u help the elderly who are not being looked after by their children, or who have been robbed by their children, or do you help the children get two square meals, education, health, so that they become good citizens of tommorow and hopefully not end up as terrorists. I feel miserable when I look at my limited resources. How do you all decide when u all have a range of such options before you all? What are the other and if better options?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@sysdexlicwriter (1619)
• United States
14 Aug 09
First of all I believe giving does not just involve money. If I know of a lonely older person, I like to offer to take them to the store or to the doctor. I like to call them and just say "hi" or send them a nice note from time to time. If I know a mother that needs a break and I can give some time, it is nice to watch the children while she gets some time to run an errand or read a book. Last week someone needed to move, so I helped as much as I could.
As for giving money, there are a lot of people that I personally know that could use help. I give my money secretly so that they will not know who helped them. I do not want them to feel obligated to me. No amount is too little. When I give, I try to ask God to take that small amount and really bless where ever it goes and make it stretch for the person or group it went to. I also remember that my hard earned efforts are only possible because I have been blessed and now it is my turn to bless someone. I think we should be responsible and look into where ever we want to contribute, then the giving is done and I have peace.
@sysdexlicwriter (1619)
• United States
14 Aug 09
If you are shy, then start small. You have a lifetime to not be shy. Shy comes from being afraid. As you take little steps toward being more open, you will find the right way to approach a situation and the shyness will be replaced with the joy of it's okay to follow your heart. I was so shy when I was young that I could not even answer a question that a teacher asked in school. I would get all choked up. Now I am able to start with a smile and a kind word (another way of giving), when a person shares their heart having an open ear to listen, it is always important not to offend and that is learned by experience and caring about others. I make mistakes but that's okay because I try to always say "I'm sorry", forgive myself and move on trying not to repeat an offense.
@vandana7 (100617)
• India
14 Aug 09
I agree. There are a few of my friends who have helped many people the way u are mentioning. It is just that I am shy. I'd hesitate to walk up to the person and offer assistance. I'm not always sure the person really needs the help, and why would a person trust a stranger anyway. Those are my feelings. :-) Known folks, definitely I help them like that. At times I do regret not having acted in time.
@srganesh (6340)
• India
13 Aug 09
I am not yet rich to get into dilemma like you.For now,I donate to some temples nearby but that too to keep up with the good faith of our neighbors.But volunteer donation is not my cup of coffee until now.Because I don't have more spare money.If in the future,I have more money,then I would donate some to medical researches and agricultural researches.I consider both more important than any other.Cheers!
@betsyhu (207)
• China
14 Aug 09
I have no more money to donate, but hope to help others in trouble.
General speaking, I would rather choose government charity than other group with nominal donate. in order to hope let my money be used in need indeed for people in troulbe.
Of couse, this's only my idea, maybe,it's not good, because you can't know government will use it in proper way, not corruption..
@polo_princess (803)
•
14 Aug 09
There are so many charities out there it really makes it tough to decide which one to give to. I always donate a little to the NSPCC which is a childrens charity, then i will donate a little to an animal charity from time to time. Its never very much that i give but every penny counts doesnt it?
@webearn99 (1742)
• India
13 Aug 09
With a limited income I manage to donate to Tirumala temple in India for their free food scheme to pilgrims and to the spastic society, which helps people with intelligent brains trapped in an un-cooperative body.
I would like to sponsor a girl child's education and to donate to a hospice where the terminally ill are put under professional care to, unfortunately, die. I hope to earn enough for that.
Please do not feel bad about what you have, it is the spirit that counts. Work on it and you will help all those you want to help. God bless you.
@webearn99 (1742)
• India
13 Aug 09
Your attitude gladdens me! O.K. I choose by what I have passion for, what I sympathize with and where I don't see action. Not necessarily in the same order.
@longdoreen (5)
• United States
13 Aug 09
Hi I'm not that old yet im 40 years old. But I do work for a non profit. I m a christian. The best thing i can see.
It a matter if your children are 18 years or not. I have 3 and I reared my kids to
be non dependant and give them the knowledge that when they do become of age that they are getting out. I gave them college stuff to look at at 17 and started giving them options. If they want to just work. I signed them up for low income housing so that they can pay their own bills. My kids started working with working papers in ministry at age 14. It kept them off the streets- they had fun, went on trips and made a few dollars out of it. Give them something to look forward to. I don't make a lot of money. I sure once I get old enough hopefully they won't forget me. But it is facilities that take care of you. It places that bring a hot meal right to your home. It depends on the area you are in and also find out where your community help list is. Ours is in south jersey you can call 211 for all help in any thing you need.
I sure most towns should have it.
@vandana7 (100617)
• India
13 Aug 09
Hello longdoreen, thanx for ur advise in other post. U said what touches my heart the most. I have a lot of things that touch my heart the most, and the problem is I cant make up my mind. Eventually I draw lots and end up feeling guilty about other causes that I couldnt really help during that year. I am not very rich. I am just lucky at times. :-) And I like to remember my luck I guess. I will remember ur advise. Of course I cant come as far as South Jersey. But I can definitely do something out here. Thanx a lot. Appreciate ur time and effort. :-)
@LiLianjie (13)
•
13 Aug 09
I believe the best charity to donate money to is the "Red Cross Society of China Jet Li One Foundation Project" (Jet Li One Foundation). It was founded by Red Cross ambassador Jet Li, under a strategic partnership with the Red Cross Society of China. The Jet Li One Foundation Project works independently to pursue its charitable mission and agenda.
The foundation believes that: "1 person + 1 dollar/yuan + 1 month = 1 big family". If each person donates at least one dollar/yuan each month, their individual donations can be transformed into a much greater fund. When we combine our charitable strength, we can make sure that the most vulnerable members of our global family recieve the help they need.
Check out their website for more information:
http://www.onefoundation.cn/html/en/introduction.htm
