Recently both Deanna and I have thought about donating to some organization during this Christmas holiday and truthfully, I think we’re at a standstill and can’t choose what organization to donate to. I’d love to go as local as I can with my donations, as I’ve already donated previously to Red Cross and Tsunami / Earthquake relief aids before, but I haven’t done much locally.
Then there’s the concern of donating to faith-based organizations. As much as I consider myself a faithful Christian, I’m iffy on relying on someone else’s beliefs, not their desire to help, to help others. Sure, these organizations say they help anyone and everyone, but do they truly? I seriously don’t think that a homeless man should have to accept God into his heart simply to get a meal - not that all organizations do this, but I’m certain that there are ones out there that do. Yet, is this a ridiculous notion and in general, faith-based organizations do, in fact, give their support unbiasly? Locally, Love, INC. has recently been hit with a lack of funding because of the loose association with a local official that was abusing funds for a church building project - and thus, is really hurting. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about any of these groups short of what little the local media says about them - and generally they only wait to say anything about them until it’s bound to be shrouded in negativity.
Then there’s the Food Bank - I would love to give to the food bank because above all of these organizations I believe that they do some of the most visible support to the community out there. And yet, how many times as recycling director did I drop off supplies for their programs only to see people in Escalades pull up and get food? Seriously, most of the people going in had better cars and clothing than I did - am I donating to help the less fortunate or the “more lazy”?
I’m also thinking about finding out how to send care packages to the troops over in Iraq - though I have no idea how to - going to have to talk to my parents about that. Even though I’ve gone through so many local organizations, debating on which I should donate to, in the end, this is one that I really can’t find any reason not to donate to - in fact, there’s no reason any of us shouldn’t. Although you may or may not agree with this war, “care for” people of the military persuasion, in the long run all these individuals are far braver than I think I could ever be.
I suppose why I bring this up on my blog is for suggestions - who would you donate to - and why? Those locally - what organizations are the most in need or use the money the most effectively? Any thoughts - at all?
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Blog of J. Jason Lazarus, techno-geek, retro-gamer, ranter, avid photographer & new dad.