Follow Your Heart
This is the time of year when many of us give to those less fortunate through our charitable donations. I know that most of you probably give throughout the year when the situation demands that we help others. This year we tried to do what we could for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and those who suffered the East Asian tsunami. Many have favorite charities that you give to every month. But the holiday season is the time of year when charitable organizations look forward to receiving your generous financial assistance.
With so many non-profit charities registered in this country, you should select the charity that's the right fit for you. Take time to find a charitable organization that does excellent work within a cause that is important to you, whether it serves distressed children or families, disadvantaged elderly citizens or people with disabilities.
You will no doubt receive a number of donation requests this season over the phone. Be careful with these. If you have given to these organizations in the past and you're certain of their motives, then fine. If not, thank them for the call and consider giving to something more familiar to you and your family. Many of us are concerned about the integrity of these organizations that ask us for money. If in doubt, look someplace else.
Most of the major non-profit organizations that collect charitable donations now do so via the Internet. If you feel comfortable putting your financial information online, it's a very easy and quick method of giving. If you'd rather use the postal service to send in your donations, you can find the physical addresses of these groups on the Internet.
You can bet that any legitimate Web site will give you some information about the people behind an organization. The names of the key staff or other corporate officers should be disclosed. Does the association have a knowledgeable and experienced staff? Where will your money go? How much of your money will be used for the charity's administrative functions? These are all valid questions that should be asked before any donation is given.
Donations do not have to be money. You can also give the gift of your time. Volunteer to help out at a Thanksgiving feast for the homeless. Go to a senior rehabilitation center, a hospital or give your time to your local humane society. Whatever your interest centers around, there is probably a method of giving your time for a charitable cause.
'Tis the season for donations! Giving to your favorite charitable organizations is a great way to celebrate the holiday, while helping those less fortunate. Just make sure that your benevolent funding gets to the right place. Check before you give. It's good for you and good for the recipient.
Originally published in the Outspoken e-newsletter.