Being Thankful and Giving Locally

I was watching 60 Minutes last night just as something to do while I tried to fall asleep. It was a repeat episode I hadn't seen before on the rapidly rising poverty and homelessness rate among kids. It was about how the rate of poverty and homelessness is rising rapidly among children.

They had 15 to 20 kids who had gone from living in homes to living in cars or run-down motels. Schools have added bus stops at motels to accomodate that growing population. It was painful to watch. The worst part was a little girl no more than 8 or 9 said that it was her fault her family was poor because they had to buy clothes for her. I'm a grown man, but watching that little girl blame herself ... I woke up the whole family and had them watch that story.

Afterwards, we talked for a few minutes about being thankful for what we have and to remember that just because someone has less than we do, that doesn't make them any worse or better than us. It also got me thinking about myself and my lack of charitable giving. I've given on and off throughout the years, but as blessed as we are, I should be giving more.

Then the question is, what orginization should I donate to. The old standards came to mind, Red Cross, Childrens Hospital of Atlanta, Habitat, etc. Then I thought about people in need right here in  Douglas County. What could be better than helping people right here in the community I live? There is nothing wrong with giving to others in need outside our community. I will still give to the Cancer Society; my mom and grandfather died of cancer. But I'm going to support a local group that is helping people right here in Douglas County. I'm going to support Share House. They provide support to families in crisis and a have programs for kids. I am definitely not trying to tell you what charitable groups to support, that is a personal decision, but I encourage you to consider Share House or other Douglas County groups that need support to help others in our own community.

A side benefit of giving is that it makes you feel good. I'm not sure if I should feel guilty about it, but helping even a little bit makes me feel good and to be honest with myself that's part of the reason I'm doing it. You know what though, the people who are helped by the tiny bit of support I provide probably don't care if I give out of spite, guilt, or any other emotion. Whatever your reasons for giving are, it doesn't matter as long as you give something, you are helping someone in need.