Charity is a hot topic this time of year. It is always hard to pick one, but when you pick local (your community) , you will never go wrong. Make sure there is a direct payment or help. When you do not have money, give clothing , food, and items. Sadly financial handouts to individuals on street corners is never a good idea, but hand them food, water or a blanket.
Many groups hand out goods to find out later, that most of those goods were sold for money, and the money (when this happens,) usually turns into drugs and alcohol. Give to food banks, funds set up for victims of tragedy in your town, or at this time of year, give clothing, or whatever items are needed.
There are good people going around this holiday season, paying off lay-aways that belong to strangers. This is an excellent idea. People are paying on them already for themselves , they want the goods , not the money. They are working toward having a great Christmas. They are genuine. The account holders arrive at the store to pay on their account, to find that there is only a $1 or so still left to pay. One lady who had just become a widow of a wealthy husband, handed out $50.00 payments at a KMart.
There are plenty of ways of helping. Remember that help is to be temporary. When you end up supporting the same people, you are not helping them , you are enabling them to be dependent on charity. Some may think it is all well and good to do that, but you aren't helping at all. Help is in and of itself temporary. When there is help constantly needed, there are problems that need to be addressed. Sadly the reason for needing help, when it is ongoing, is usually do to drugs, alcohol, and mental illness. All things that we can help with, but people choose to over look.
Give wisely, do not give to the same group over and over, give locally, and give without fanfare.
Get to the root of the issue if you have a pet charity. Why do the same people need the same help again and again for years? What is not being addressed? When you actually change a situation, to a positive, and help people stand on their own two feet, it is the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Be part of the solution , not part of the problem by being an enabler.
Give wisely this holiday season.
Peshaui Wequashimese
(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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