How to help end world hunger and poverty

That's a tall order, I know. But the goal is to realize that one person CAN make a difference. If everyone did a little something, we will be closer to a world without poverty, hunger and pain. These are small tips and ideas to start making a difference.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. As I was shopping, I stumbled upon a beautiful t-shirt with an Africa/peace sign emblem on it. I found out the company that produces this shirt is called OmniPeace. 25% of the proceeds of these shirts and other OmniPeace products goes to helping the poor in Africa. One simple t-shirt can mean the difference between life and death.

2. Speaking of shopping, imagine being a young child in a poor country and not having a doll to play with or basics like a toothbrush or hairbrush. The Samaritans Purse organization has a program called Operation Christmas Child that collects boxes all year round. Their website explains the goals of the organization. "Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ." To find out how to pack your own shoe box for a child in need. click on the link provided in the resources section.

3. Consider planning a fundraising event that can raise money for the less fortunate. A car wash, bake sale or a raffle are ideas that can raise a lot of money for various worldwide organizations.

4. On a local level, you can volunteer at a soup kitchen to help serve the people in need in your own communities.

5. Help organize a food drive at your job. It's as simple as placing a cardboard box in the corner of a room and placing a sign above it. this can be done year round, not only for the holidays. It's amazing how much someone can collect. If necessary, offer incentives for the most collected cans by creating teams and a prize for the highest number of cans.

6. Donating to Goodwill and the Salvation Army on a regular basis greatly helps those in need. These organizations have many programs and resources to help those in need.

Tips & Warnings

• Any little bit helps, even a dollar. If a million people gave only a dollar that equals a million dollars!
• Participating in helping people is always more satisfying, but if your schedule doesn't allow for a lot of free time, donate. The money will make a difference.

Resources

• http://www.omni-peace.com
• http://www.samaritanspurse.org
• http://www.goodwill.org
• http://www.salvationarmyusa.org

[econ476]

on 10/12/2008 Thanks, I'll definitely check out World of Good.

[ReuseItAll]

on 10/12/2008 These are wonderful ideas. We try to buy gifts for people from organizations and businesses that donate to good causes and helping people better their lives. So a search online and you will find lots of websites to shop from! Our favorite is World of Good!! Great article!