Giving Of Oneself Goes A Long Way (2)

We are currently in an economic crisis. With gas, food prices and everything else continuing to go up, many families are finding themselves unable to meet their monthly mortgage payments facing possible foreclosure. Retired seniors on fixed income, individuals with insufficient income, as well as those that are unemployed are also having a tough time, in keeping up with their rent obligations. Parents who have their child in a higher education are feeling the crunch of the current economic atmosphere. "Many of the State universities have no other choice than to have started off the new school year with tuition increases, as legislature slashes their budgets even further." It is also a time when people are changing jobs, seeking employment, being fired, and trying to hang onto jobs they already have. It is a dismal picture that would discourage most individuals from making any attempt at being generous.

Reactions to a charitable cause donation request would probably be: “Don’t look at me, I don't have it. How in the world am I supposed to give any kind of donation, when every dollar that comes into my home is needed to pay for my mortgage and living expenses. This is impossible.

Not really, there is another wonderful way of giving of yourself, without reaching into your pocket book or wallet to make a monetary donation and that is to volunteer. Volunteering can be a most effective gift that one can give to any worthy cause. When you volunteer you are giving of your time and expert knowledge. People who volunteer feel better emotionally, physically and psychologically.You can start out by choosing a small way to make a positive impact somewhere. Volunteering has its rewards. It is also a great way of overcoming a negative attitude. It helps you to take away your attention from the object of your worry, and place it on the need of someone else. Some choose to volunteer in their community while others volunteer from the comfort of their home. There are many outlets and opportunities to which you can contribute your special talents such as in the areas of working with youth, social services, hospitals, education, sports, culture, recreation as well as genealogical and history websites. When you volunteer, you set the time within your schedule. You can give one hour each week, or devote many hours to your choice of worthy cause.

"Go out and do something for somebody. Go out and give something to somebody.It will take you away from yourself and make you happy.

Joseph Jefferson (1829-1905)

To be continued: