Christmas is only a few weeks away, and with all that has been going on in the world I thought I would use this blog post to talk about ways you can give back. Colorado Gives Day was just this past Tuesday, so perfect timing to learn about ways you can give back. 2016 has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, and one of the good things to come out of it is how it has highlighted our need to reach out and help others.
On Small Business Saturday we here at Mason Jar Lifestyle donated a portion of our proceeds to Americares, which is a health focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life changing medicine, medical supplies and health programs. They have been around for almost 40 years. They are a great group that has had a great impact on those in need.
Here are some other great charities that you can give to suggested by Oprah herself, which can be found on Oprah.com
Kiva.org – on this site you can help an entrepreneur from around the world finance their business. Once that person pays you back you can either withdraw your money, or reinvest!
Firstbook.org provide age appropriate books for low income families. Families in this program also participate in a mentoring, tutoring, and family literacy program.
Changingthepresent.org is a program that provides training for two Mid-Wives in areas where medical care is scarce, a month’s worth of sanitary napkins for 10 afghan girls, interview clothes for five job applicants, or any number of other things. Changing the Present is a clearinghouse for charitable causes that is grouped by cause.
Nothingbutnets.net provides insecticide treated bed nets for Malaria prevention for five families in Africa. This disease still kills nearly a million children each year in Africa.
Modestneeds.org helps cover the cost of what health insurance does not cover. The idea behind this is to potentially stop a family from falling in to poverty due to medical expenses.
Doctorswithoutborders.org your donation will provide a medical kit containing basic drugs, supplies, equipment, and dressings to treat 1,500 patients for three months.
The Hunger Project (THP.org) provides help for a community in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
If you find yourself short on cash, but still want to give back here are some great volunteer ideas.
Animal Rescue Shelters, National Parks, Food Pantries, Habitat for Humanity, Local Libraries, Art Museums, Political Campaigns, YMCA, Retirement Homes, Red Cross, Salvation Army….if you would like more ideas check out volunteermatch.com
I’m going to end this blog post with some really great quotes that I hope inspire you to give. All of the charities listed above would appreciate whatever you can give, even if it was just your time!
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
“No one has become poor by giving.” -Anne Frank
“The heart that gives, gathers.” -Tao Te Ching
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal” -Steve Maraboli
And lastly….
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop
