Not So Fast
We have seen these faces- beautiful children without food- hungry. Starving for knowledge and education, health care and shelter. Whether the need is around the world or right here at home there are many legitimate causes that are worthy of your consideration and if possible, your charity. The problem is which ones are legit and which are not. How do you know that your money is going to the people or cause that you have intended for your hard earned cash.
First, DO NOT assume that since the cause is linked to your church, a friend, a celebrity, a relative, a “sister” program in your neighborhood, etc. that it is actually reaching the people or communities that it was intended for! I have worked and lived for a long time internationally in other countries and in the ravaged parts of America (I worked and was raised in the South Bronx.) There are whole industries preying upon the generosity of Americans and those who really need our charity. First, you may have NO idea of how money is being diverted to foreign banks accounts and not converted to food, education, shelter and health care of those who need it most. But, by far the way that most soaks up money BEFORE helping the target group is “overhead”! This is the cost of doing business as a charitable organization.
I remember one very popular and powerful charity (name is withheld to protect my butt) whose overhead in the name of God was 75%!!!! That means for every dollar that was donated, 75 cents went to the “cost” of operations. So, my first point is be skeptical. However, I am not suggesting that you should not give to charities if you can. Trust me, it is a really good feeling to know that your contribution will feed some hungry child or family, maybe help them sleep on a mattress with a roof over their heads rather than in the street, etc. Even if what you do helps just one soul, it counts!!!!!!!!!! If there is a heaven, then your act echoes through its fields- an act of love. For the giver, it is a good feeling- a feeling of being complete. It is important lesson for your children (i.e. the act of caring for others- not just for yourself).