During my (late) lunch today, I read the paper online and checked out the local TV station's website. A prominant article today was about the local foodbank being very low on food heading into winter and the holiday seasons. I immediately went directly to the food bank's website and made a donation that should feed a lot of families.
With the economy the way it is, we have been stepping up our charitable giving, both to personal acquaintances and to formal charities. We have already had cordwood delivered to two different homes, with a third is probably in the near future. We have volunteered to pay for chimney or funace cleanings for those less fortunate than we are.
We have donated toys (via toy runs) and cash (via motorcycle runs and websites). Additionally every kettle or selling table (Boy Scout, Veterans, Salvation Army, and othe rreputable organizations) we pass by gets cash. One day, during our wanderings, we passed Boy Scouts at 3 different extablishments selling pop corn. WS donated to each, without taking the popcorn. Each month there is somehting different we find to contribute.
No, we aren't rich, but we have always believed that it was our duty to help out those less fortunate. In times like these, we take that duty even more seriously. No, we don't claim this on our taxes. It is something we do voluntarily, not for a tax break (not to mention, we can't itemize anyway). Heck, we couldn't even "claim" a lot of it as I don't get receipts.
My reason for writing is not to brag about the charity, or look for kudos, but to challenge everyone to look to see where the help is really needed (the local food shelter, wood banks, electric bills, animal shelters etc), and help out just a little.
Bogie--You make a mother proud. WS's mother would have been equally proud. Thank you!
Posted by: Cop Car | October 21, 2011 at 07:55 PM