This is the time of year that many nonprofits ask for your help. It can be an overwhelming time but it is also an essential time. The United Way campaign is in full swing right now. The Boys &Girls Club is asking for help from you at this time. But so are many others who would like you to consider donating as the year comes to a close.
Why does this happen? Why do all of these groups come asking for money at all and why now?
Nonprofits who seek your help usually are totally dependent on help like yours. They may receive some help from grants that are very competitive and tough to get but they also need the help of individuals who are willing to contribute some amount to keep them going. It may not seem that the $10 you send is a big deal but when you get enough of those, it may very well keep you going.
Over the years I have learned more about the importance of giving. When I was younger, it seemed like the thing to do because the places I worked encouraged everyone to give something. It became almost competitive.
For the last 25-plus years I have been on the other side. I have been part of a group who needs the help of others just to stay alive. I have seen first hand what each contribution means and they mean a lot. I have seen valuable programs eliminated because of lack of funds. I have heard the thanks from people who talk about the importance to them of the services being provided. The tremendous value of the many nonprofits who seek your help is abundantly clear to me.
Even though I am now involved with one nonprofit group who seeks funds from the public, I am more likely to donate to multiple nonprofits who need help because I see the tremendous importance of the services they provide. I don’t donate to every group who asks for help but I donate to more than I ever have before. It seems that the more I learn, the more convinced I am of the need to help.
I also talk with my children and grandchildren about their importance as they donate to worthy causes. When children are little, we encourage them to share.
Sometimes we forget to continue to give that message to them as they become teens and young adults even though the value of that sharing message continues. But most importantly, the value of sharing should be remembered by each of us as we go through life.
When we see pictures of Italy after their recent earthquake or places in Washington after the landslides of a few years ago, they should remind all of us of the importance of giving.
So find out how the group you are donating to uses the money you give. Figure out who you choose to share some of your good fortune with. But try to share something with some group that needs you.
Remember, sharing is a wonderful quality to exercise throughout your life.
Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.
