Why We Give and What’s In Store for 2009?
Americans donate to charity 3X more than the French, 7X more than the Germans and 14X more than the Italians (no wonder Mix is so tight). On average, we give away 3-4% of our income. The majority of our giving goes to the Church while education is second.
Why we give more has always been an American tradition. We especially love to give to those that are in need. Scientists have confirmed that like laughing, giving releases endorphins (stronger than morphine) into the blood system creating a euphoric feeling.
As a 5-Star investor with the American Cancer Society, our talent not only feels good about their contributions in both time and dollars, but knowing that ACS is the foundation for people with cancer and people looking for a cure. We have raised over $1,300,000 over the past 8 years.
But with thousands of organizations asking for money, how does one decide? I never give to those people at traffic lights with a bucket looking for a quick buck. Perhaps it’s because I don’t like the paper flower or none of my endorphins are released.
One person I know buys lunch at Burger King for the person behind him. I’ve done that at Starbucks. Now we have no idea if the person receiving the gesture is in need, but we feel good doing it.
When people call the home at night looking for donations, the phone slams down. No good feelings there! I think we look for sincerity and need when making a decision to give.
With 2009 in full swing, most non-profit organizations are cutting back big time. People aren’t giving to the arts as much for example so there will be fewer exhibits. If you aren’t working, do you care?
How will 2009 affect your giving this year? And here’s the thing, if you can’t give money, at least you can give time. One of my friends worked at a soup kitchen in Detroit and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Next up: Shampoo and conditioner that releases endorphins.
Happy Wednesday!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
even if you cant give money you can still donate your time and get the same great feeling. Sometimes a dontion of your time will mean more to that person than anything – visiting the elderly, visiting the sick, working in a soup kitchen. I know I have cut back on my donation for 2009 but I can always give of my time to make up for it.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I personally cannot afford to give money but LOVE to donate time.
I have volunteered at a Soup Kitchen for a couple of years now and I absolutely LOVE it! I wish my church did it more than twice a year. I could always contact another church as the Soup Kitchen we use, serves the homeless EVERY weekend.
I have also found the helping others in need is a great feeling. And I have done the pay it forward thing and it has made my day!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Leila just brought us cookies for our efforts with the containers.
– She rocks!!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I am actually organizing a project called “Bundle-O-Blankets”, through my Church. We are going to create as many “No Sew” blankets as possible and donate them to local homeless shelters later this year.
I am also working with our lead Pastor to hopefully host a weekend with an organization called MCREST. This oragization travels to different local Churches and uses the space to set up beds, blankets and provide dinner and breakfast to local homeless families and individuals.
I’m really looking forward to this year. It’s going to be a year that I help others instead of worrying about my problems. Because as sad as it is, Someone always has it worse and I am truly blessed. I just never realized it until recently.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:07 am
I always try to donate my time as well. It not only feels good but you get to meet new people, get involved in your community, pass on good examples to our children & find opportunities to donate your time to different causes not just one.
I believe more people should donate their time & get involved in what’s going on around them.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Sometimes those people on the side of the road with the little paper flowers and/or newspapers are doing the good for those who don’t have the time to “research” the donation entities. For example: The GWRRA or GoldWing Road Riders Association often stand on the corner and raise money for Pinkerton (a facility to help children who are blind) make their dreams come true. Cancer is not the only depilitating disease out there; albeit it is a grave one. There are many illness’ that a great deal of people suffer through, but are down played as insignificant or often not thought about at all. The diabetes foundation is another that comes to mind. I wish I could help them all; but with the economy as it is; I feel there are many out there who won’t be able to pull their part.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I necessarily don’t agree with the choice to not donate because people are on the side of the road. There are many reputable charities that collect donations…take the veterans for example. They fought to save us and give us a safe future. Should we not donate because they give us a paper ribbon? I don’t think so.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Leila brings us goodies on Saturdays! She is the sweetest! I agree with Jes, she does ROCK!
THANK YOU LEILA!!!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Whether the person you are giving to is in dire need or not, it is always nice to brighten someone’s day. Even if you don’t have extra money to give, there are always items like clothing, outerwear, or linens that you may no longer need but someone needs desperately. I think the saying is “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”
February 26th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
IT SURE IS, THAT IS WHY I AM A SUBSCRIBER TO FREECYCLE.ORG…. IT IS NICE TO KNOW I AM HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT AS WELL.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Sometimes it’s the little kindnesses that count. I was a Detroit Metro Saturday night at 10:30 at night with a cart full of baggage and my 2 very tired and cranky children. My husband had gone to the garage to warm up the car and bring it around to the curb for us. A woman who saw me struggling with my children and the cart offered to push the luggage cart out for me while I dealt with my kids. Thank you to all those who take the time to help a stranger.