Helping the Needy

Do something to help the needy today. Many people fall on hard times. They can’t take care of their families properly or pay the bills. Some people cannot even go to the doctor when very sick. As fellow human beings, it's our responsibility to help these people. There are needy people in every state, city and town. Whatever your resources, you can make a difference. Helping the needy doesn’t always involve giving money. Find a way that’s right for you. Get busy lending a hand. Show your love for your fellow man, and make someone smile!

Instructions

1. Give to charity. There are national charities, such as The United Way. There are also local charities through churches. Your donations will be put to good use. Try to get your company involved with a charity. The United Way works with companies to take up contributions. This is a great way to get large donations for the needy. Employers will often match whatever an employee gives to charity.

2. Donate clothes and household goods to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. This is an easy way to help the needy. Clothes, furniture, and baby items are things that are always in high demand with these types of organizations. Giving to goodwill and the Salvation Army offers a way to teach children the importance of helping others. Let them go through toys. Look for unneeded things that can be given away to brighten someone else's day. This will help your child become a caring adult.

3. Serve food at soup kitchens during the holidays. This is a time when many are in need. Your caring, helping hand may be the only one somebody receives during the holiday season.

4. Buy charity tickets and slips at fast food restaurants and stores. Charities, like The Ronald McDonald Foundation and the Make a Wish Foundation, use stores and restaurants to take up donations. The tickets are usually just a dollar. This is a very easy way to help the needy. You may even get to write your name and have a thank you made out to you on display.

5. Join walk-a-thons for charity. Major charities host walk-a-thons quite often. Get in shape and sign up the next time they come to your town. Get the whole family involved. You are often asked to find sponsors for the walks. This is a great way to make extra money for the needy.

6. Offer to buy food for a homeless person. Anyone can help the needy in this way. The next time you see a homeless person with a sign asking for help, buy them a hot meal. They will appreciate it, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you really helped someone in need.

7. Do any, or all, of these things and you will have an impact on the lives of the needy. Every little bit counts and no contribution is unwarranted. Do as much as you can whenever you can.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach children about helping through local food drives and toy donations.

• See if your community has an adopt-a-family program for the holidays.

• Check the charity out before giving large sums of money to them. Unfortunately there are scams out there!

Resources

• United Way
• The Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Make a Wish Foundation