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DOES CHARITY BEGIN AT HOME? I think that you have to make sure your family has what they need, first and foremost. Of course, there are charities that we care about due to our family or friends. Sometimes we just realize how important the charity is. Some of us talk about it, but never really do anything about it. There are many ways to give charity. One is to give money, but another is to give your time. When I was younger, back before the time that had to do charity work to get school credit, in order to graduate, I did volunteer work. I worked in the hospitality center of a hospital. I worked in the gift shop, the cafeteria and as a cashier. I loved it. Everyone treated me so nice, probably because I wore a volunteer's uniform. I also worked at the gift shop of another hospital. I raised money for various charities by doing walks, 25 miles walking (those were the days). I was overweight then too and when I got sponsored, I did well. I think they didn't expect me to do the entire walk. They were wrong. i finish what I start and frankly I did better than this skinny girl I met during one of the walks.  As I've gotten older, I have to admit that I give money, versus time. I regret that but I've had to stay home to earn a living. Also, I didn't drive until I got my driver's license at 55, so I couldn't drive anywhere. The bus system in my area isn't great. Anyhow, what do you feel about being charitable? Also, what do you think of doing charity work only to get credit for school? My brother and I disagree on this topic. He thinks it's fine. He said the charity gets workers and the get credit, win-win. I think it isn't good. I want to donate time as I did, without expecting anything in return. I feel it's good to help others with no personal rewards other than satisfaction. What do you think? By the way, another way to give money to charity, is to bequeath them in your Wills. I have done that, for the record. Do you have a Will? That's very important. Otherwise the people you want to get your money, may not. Here is part of the article I read, that inspired this post: At 68, Rosie Swale Pope (first picture below) isn’t slowing down, she’s running straight ahead—from New York to San Francisco—which doesn’t impress her all that much. She once ran around the world. She has no support crew on her run across America. Her only constant companion is a cart — an aluminum-framed, three-wheeled, Amish-built cart, loaded with 300 pounds of supplies — which she pulls behind her. Everything she needs for the run is loaded into the cart, which she affectionately calls “Icebird.” She zips herself into the Icebird at night, and prepares meals by cooking on a camp stove. She logs into her computer to keep in touch with family back in the UK and keeps plenty of biscuits on hand for the thousands of pups she meets along the way. Her most famous was a year after her husband died — a 20,000 mile, five-year, around the world run. She raised $372,000 (£250,000) for Russian orphans and cancer research — and received the Order of the British Empire for her efforts. ---------------------- After finding images to post, I realized that I needed to say something else. Charity doesn't have to mean giving big bucks. It's the little things we do that count. I remember when I was young, there were 2 people who were stranded. They told me they didn't have enough bus tickets to get home. I may be wrong but it looked legit. I gave them the bus tickets. I was going to school at the time and far from rich, but I felt wonderful doing it. They wanted to take down my name and address to pay me back but I refused. The good feeling of giving, really is the reward. I like giving loved ones gifts too. I feel selfish that I get so much out of it. Doesn't it make you feel good to give others? --------------------------------- I was wondering if SFF members would like to give to charity as a whole. I did that a long time ago on a site, to raise money. It was an organization that you give money to it (NOT to me to give to it) and you can pick which charity you give to. In other words, it covered many charities. I am talking about small amounts here. If there is no interest, that's fine. It was just an idea. It would be nice if we helped charity as SFF members and did something to feel great about. If you're interested, I need to research to find it or another such charity like that. For that matter, we could vote on a charity that is reputable that we could all give to under SFF. Any suggestions would be welcome.       Elaine Shuel |
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I don't know about the USA, but I've seen reports where we can find a charity that actually gives to the people that need it. I believe the Salvation Army here gives 100%, what is donated to the people that need it. We can check to make sure about that. It's a valid point, Bill. I want to give to others, not to fundraisers to eat great meals and entertain each other. Thanks.Elaine Shuel
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I haven't done much volunteer work. One year on Christmas Eve I helped serve turkey dinners to the homeless. Another time I helped out at a charity event. I tend to donate to charities to name a few Red Cross, the heart & stroke society. I signed up recently to sponsor a 10 year old girl in Honduras. Sometime down the road I will probably look for somewhere to volunteer once a week. Most of us have food on our table and a roof over our heads. There are many people in this wide world of ours do not that privilege whether it be through circumstances or bad luck in life.
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Bill, what makes you think that about the Red Cross? I googled and this is what I found: How Does Your Favorite Charity Measure Up? According to Charity Navigator, the following charities are hugely popular with donors. Do you know how much money they spend on actual programming? American Red Cross The do-gooders at the American Red Cross do a good job of spending your money when you donate. They manage to keep administrative expenses at less than 5% of their total overhead, and they spend 92.1% of their income on actual programs that benefit the community. Whether it's teacher CPR, or managing crisis during the aftermath of a disaster, the Red Cross puts your money to good use. Elaine Shuel
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I haven't done much volunteer work. One year on Christmas Eve I helped serve turkey dinners to the homeless. Another time I helped out at a charity event. I tend to donate to charities to name a few Red Cross, the heart & stroke society. I signed up recently to sponsor a 10 year old girl in Honduras. Sometime down the road I will probably look for somewhere to volunteer once a week. Most of us have food on our table and a roof over our heads. There are many people in this wide world of ours do not that privilege whether it be through circumstances or bad luck in life. That's why I hope that SFF members will get together and with all our help, we can make a difference!!! We can choose a charity that has a good record of giving, if that's the preferred way. What do you think? Wouldn't it be nice to be part of something bigger and better than ourselves?Elaine Shuel
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I haven't done much volunteer work. One year on Christmas Eve I helped serve turkey dinners to the homeless. Another time I helped out at a charity event. I tend to donate to charities to name a few Red Cross, the heart & stroke society. I signed up recently to sponsor a 10 year old girl in Honduras. Sometime down the road I will probably look for somewhere to volunteer once a week. Most of us have food on our table and a roof over our heads. There are many people in this wide world of ours do not that privilege whether it be through circumstances or bad luck in life. Elaine Shuel
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Hi Elaine, It's Daffodil Day here in Ireland, in conjunction with a charity on behalf of cancer which is a a very worthy cause indeed. I have a few charities that are very close to my heart and they are the only ones that I contribute to. With the best will in the world you have to draw the line somewhere. Ireland on the whole is a very charitable nation, for a such a small country we contribute vast amounts in oversea aid. Some Irish people, me included, feel we could give more help to the needy here in our own country. I'm not saying for a minute that we stop helping the Third World countries with all their various problems and disasters but maybe keep more support back for our own needs. A few years ago here in SFF some members started a collection for a very popular member who was terminally ill, and has long since deceased, and the amount collected was derisory; very small to say the least. I was very surprised at the poor response. If memory serves me right a former member tried to set up a charity something like what you are suggesting but sadly it never got off the ground due to a lack of interest. Your heart is in the right place Elaine I for one think it's a great idea.
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Well, if I give anything, I give it to the Salvation Army, they are the only charity organization I know of who actually help everyone. We also have a food pantry here that I donate food and clothing to, it goes to the local families in the area that are in need of help. I volunteered in a nursing home when I was a teenager, it made me feel helpless in some ways and in other ways, I enjoyed being around those old folk. I organized a trail ride for St Jude's Children's Hospital, that was fun. The kids got sponsors and the sponsors paid for each mile the kids rode their horses. We didn't make a lot for the hospital, if I remember correctly, it was around $500.00. Not bad for only 8 riders.
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Thanks Bob, I know you and most others (myself included) donate to various charities. Would you be willing to spend a small amount like $10, to be part of one larger donation from SFF members? That's what I am asking. Elaine Shuel
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Hi Elaine, It's Daffodil Day here in Ireland, in conjunction with a charity on behalf of cancer which is a a very worthy cause indeed. I have a few charities that are very close to my heart and they are the only ones that I contribute to. With the best will in the world you have to draw the line somewhere. Ireland on the whole is a very charitable nation, for a such a small country we contribute vast amounts in oversea aid. Some Irish people, me included, feel we could give more help to the needy here in our own country. I'm not saying for a minute that we stop helping the Third World countries with all their various problems and disasters but maybe keep more support back for our own needs. A few years ago here in SFF some members started a collection for a very popular member who was terminally ill, and has long since deceased, and the amount collected was derisory; very small to say the least. I was very surprised at the poor response. If memory serves me right a former member tried to set up a charity something like what you are suggesting but sadly it never got off the ground due to a lack of interest. Your heart is in the right place Elaine I for one think it's a great idea. Elaine Shuel
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You gave the guy $20 and then $20 more. I am sure he appreciated every cent. It's wonderful that you did that, TxJW2. You definitely have nothing to feel bad about. Would you be willing to participate in a charity from SFF members? Let's say $10? Elaine Shuel
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In my view charity does not begin at home, and thinking that way is selfish. If you hold on to that philosophy those that are needy never get the helping hand thy need. They way to flip this is to recognize the gift that comes from giving. It is such a reward that you will be more empowered to give in your personal life if you acknowledge and nurture the critical task for which God compels you to act. I believe that for most if not all of us here, we have money we could give. I say that because it costs to have internet access and we're all here. That said, many are on a fixed income. If it wouldn't be too much of a hardship, I meant only about $10 each, to make a difference. I hope you'll consider it. Thanks for your comment. Elaine Shuel
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That's wonderful, ET. I like your attitude about charity. I thought I read years ago that The Salvation Army gives 100% back to the people who need it. I remember wondering how that's possible. It may have changed now but they definitely were one of the best. Would you consider giving $10 to a charity voted on by SFF members, hopefully the Salvation Army or something equally deserving? Thanks for your comment. Elaine Shuel
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Well, if I give anything, I give it to the Salvation Army, they are the only charity organization I know of who actually help everyone. We also have a food pantry here that I donate food and clothing to, it goes to the local families in the area that are in need of help. I volunteered in a nursing home when I was a teenager, it made me feel helpless in some ways and in other ways, I enjoyed being around those old folk. I organized a trail ride for St Jude's Children's Hospital, that was fun. The kids got sponsors and the sponsors paid for each mile the kids rode their horses. We didn't make a lot for the hospital, if I remember correctly, it was around $500.00. Not bad for only 8 riders. It doesn't matter how much you raised, it's that all of you dd the best you could and gave of yourself. I felt the same when I did "Miles for Millions", I believe it was called. I really believe that kids need to be taught to give unselfishly. There is too much of them giving to get credits, that really turns me off. I dislike the "what's in it for me?" attitude. I will always admire Princess Diana for teaching her sons to feel some empathy for the less fortunate. Would you consider $10 for a donation, as part of SFF? it sound like The Salvation Army might be the way to go, based on the responses this post received thus far. Elaine Shuel
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3/27/2015 11:05 am |
I have not donated to large charities other than donating things I no longer need or use to Goodwill, and then only after I don't know anyone personally who can use them. Like others said I want to be personally involved on a grass roots, individual basis. I do give a good portion of both my time, money and other resources those who need them but almost never in the form of larger contributions to mega charities that have high administrative costs. Spiritwoman ^i^
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I have not donated to large charities other than donating things I no longer need or use to Goodwill, and then only after I don't know anyone personally who can use them. Like others said I want to be personally involved on a grass roots, individual basis. I do give a good portion of both my time, money and other resources those who need them but almost never in the form of larger contributions to mega charities that have high administrative costs. Ultimately, it's up to everyone on what they want to do.Elaine Shuel
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That's fine, ET. I wasn't forcing anyone. I asked "Would you consider..?". All you had to say was NO. As I wrote on your blog, I wasn't asking to give ME money directly. I was going to try to arrange a fund of sorts with whatever charity the group voted on. You would have paid THEM directly. Were you worried I was going to steal your money? I know you don't know me personally but I'm known for being upfront and honest. It's sad that you twisted something that was meant to be nice, into something ugly. Elaine Shuel
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I will answer your question, with an upfront answer you might not like. WHY would you do it through this site? It was because I thought instead of SFF getting known for their nasty exchanges, it would have been nice to be known as a more charitable group, that might have disagreements but helps others. THAT was my motive. Elaine Shuel
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That's great what you did for St. Jude's Hospital, but also what you did for the kids, Nileyears. I applaud you for organizing it. It doesn't matter how much you raised, it's that all of you dd the best you could and gave of yourself. I felt the same when I did "Miles for Millions", I believe it was called. I really believe that kids need to be taught to give unselfishly. There is too much of them giving to get credits, that really turns me off. I dislike the "what's in it for me?" attitude. I will always admire Princess Diana for teaching her sons to feel some empathy for the less fortunate. Would you consider $10 for a donation, as part of SFF? it sound like The Salvation Army might be the way to go, based on the responses this post received thus far. As far as helping the Salvation Army through SFF, that would depend on the how to payment process, and also, where it goes, right now it's through my local SA.
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Thanks Elaine, I was really proud of those kids, they gave up going to a horse show to do that ride, of course their trainer wasn't too happy about it, lol, but none of the kids cared, the trail ride was more fun and they helped other children in need. As far as helping the Salvation Army through SFF, that would depend on the how to payment process, and also, where it goes, right now it's through my local SA. It would have gone directly to the charity. I would NOT have taken any money directly. It's all moot now. It seems some members consider it highly suspicious for someone to come up with the idea of giving charity as a group. Given it is so disturbing an idea, I won't take any more of my time looking into this. Thanks for your comment, Nileyears. Elaine Shuel
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I will answer your question, with an upfront answer you might not like. WHY would you do it through this site? It was because I thought instead of SFF getting known for their nasty exchanges, it would have been nice to be known as a more charitable group, that might have disagreements but helps others. THAT was my motive.
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Both mean a lot to me. Elaine Shuel
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I'm sorry your good intentions backfired on you Elaine, you meant well and that's all that matters
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I'm sorry your good intentions backfired on you Elaine, you meant well and that's all that matters Elaine Shuel
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