The Holiday season is a time for generosity. People enjoy giving gifts to family and friends and many enjoy making donations at this time. For non-profits such as Aging Matters the gift of a monetary donation, enables them to survive to do their good work. If you like the idea of giving but do not know where to start, try finding a cause that is meaningful to you. There are organizations that help children, seniors, animals and almost anything else you are passionate or interested in. If you find an organization that helps a demographic or services a group you care about, you then feel even better about donating. All these organizations would benefit from your philanthropy.
Before you decide to donate, it is a good idea to check out how your money is being spent. Find out how much of each donated dollar goes to direct services to benefit the cause and how much goes for administrative costs, make sure that your donation is going for the intended purpose. There are many on-line resources to help look into charities that will show how they spend donated dollars. Once you find a cause you are passionate about and you check it out to make sure it is a legitimate organization spending money in a responsible way, then you can give freely. For those who want a more hands on approach, money is not the only thing that you are able to give.
Many organizations depend on volunteers to assist them year round. Our Senior Centers are always looking for help to deliver meals or assist with paperwork or organizing events. If you have a talent for the computer or dancing or clipping coupons, you can always volunteer to teach others. For those who find joy working with children, there are programs that allow you to volunteer to help children learn to read or assist those with medical issues. Some organizations help those with a limited income do their taxes; there are many places that your time would help make a difference. If you want to volunteer your time and you just do not know where to start, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer Intergenerational Center, (RSVP/VIC) could help you find fulfilling volunteer placement. RSVP/VIC’s mission is to help people, help people. Short term or long term there are always organizations looking for help. The joy we get from assisting others is like nothing else.
For those who may not have time or money to donate there are still many options to help. There are re-sale and thrift shops that help support non-profit organizations that would happily take your gently used items to sell. If you have clothes, furniture or household goods that are still in good shape but you do not need, please consider donating them. These stores use the donations you make and sell the product for money to support their efforts. You get to clean out things you do not need and people get the help they do need, everyone wins!
As we close out this Holiday season, remember to take time for yourself and enjoy the season of giving. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Aging Matters 800-392-8771.
Because, Aging Matters.