I've always believed in direct giving. Meaning that there is a specific feeling of seeing the look on peoples faces as well as having the knowledge that your assistance is actually received. This has been a sticking point for me over the last decade after an issue with United Way. I'm not going to besmirch some of the good work they do here. I signed up long ago to have a specific amount deducted from my paycheck for Big Brothers Big Sisters. United Way said that I would get a notification from the charity that the funds got there. I have yet to receive that notice and still don't know where that money went.
Since then, I've been very picky about my donations. Blood and physical objects can actually go somewhere and get instant use by UBS or Goodwill. But, it was a discussion with Kerry that made me consider something else. She was talking with a friend that was helping out with another charity and noticed they were specificly lacking warm clothing for underprivelidged teen girls. We've been thinking about setting up our own project to help with this. It's early in development but I keep thinking that only then can I really control how I give. We will see.
Meanwhile, I did get a message from someone setting up an event in Las Vegas on Aug. 23rd dealing, oddly enough, with rock music. Rock Against Diabetes will be hosting a benefit concert and live free webcast to raise awareness and funds. I'll try to work something out to promote it during Talking 80s Music and an upcoming news snippet in the next newsletter. But, more than ever, it reminds me that other people are taking the reins to make a difference in various projects.
6 comments:
Interestingly, I too never got the notice from the United Way when I donated from my paycheck.
From personal experience on the job... teenagers can often get lost in the shuffle for donations of any kind. An example would be Wednesday's Child's Xmas drives. Little ones pull at the heart strings more often, and they'd really have to ask for the donations for the teens.
Donating to charities can often be tricky. Because the donations are supposed to do more than simply help those in need. Often funds go to help pay salaries, overhead expenses and the like. I try to look for charities that given the most to those who need it.
As someone who works for a non-profit that receives donations which include people who give via United Way, I can tell you sometimes people forget to check the box on the forms that allow the organizations getting the money to actually see who the money is from. So while the charity is getting your money you are an anonymous donor to them.
I am a firm believer in helping out those in need. I am the first one to bring a bag of food to a drive, or pick a couple of stars from the tree at church -- but I have noticed that it is the older kids that get ignored. I think I will make it a goal to seek out a place I can make those donations to this year.
While money is usually the easiest donation, I have found that the donation I feel the best about is my time. I coordinate blood drives at my old place of work every 8 weeks. You can donate every 8 weeks so every 8th Wednesday, we are there asking people to roll up their sleeves. I cannot donate blood, so this is my way of helping. I could rant for days about blood donation and the lack of interest, but instead, I will thank you for reminding me that teens need help too.
I wonder if Bret Michaels will be involved in that Rock Against Diabetes event?
Wow, it's been a long time since I saw THAT book cover. Excellent.
-- david
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