Charity. There are many meanings of the word, but the two most relevant stick out in my mind: 1) the voluntary provision of money, materials, or help to people in need; and 2) the impartial love of other people. For some reason unbeknownst to me, I tend to align myself with the latter definition. Perhaps it is because I don't have a fortune to dole out upon those in need, nor so many possessions I can frequently give them away to those less fortunate. Not that these are unfavorable methods of helping others, but I often simply do not have such means to help. All I have is a good heart that is willing to give of itself in order to help others because I feel it is only right, and that regrettably can't be transferred into monetary means for those who necessitate it. So everything I did for charities was going to have to be a result of my own initiative.
While I had participated in volunteer projects before I came across my first actual organization to help, these nonaffiliated events were exactly that - unorganized and unstructured, which meant as soon as they appeared, they vanished. So I jumped when I heard about helping a group that had been founded nationwide over eighty healthy years ago and had a unit in my community that I didn't know about: The American Legion Auxiliary. The national website can be found at www.legion-aux.org and I cordially invite you to take a look at it. Yes, it is a group for women, but luckily for the men out there, there is also an American Legion which can be found at www.legion.org, and no, you don't have to be a member to help, just as I am not.
Though I could speak of all the projects I've been able to do through the group, that isn't what is most important. The goals of the entire organization are what matter, which strives to help people of all walks of life, but especially veterans who take all lot of the political heat for military actions they are ordered to perform. Through this group, I've been able to touch the lives anywhere from three-time gold star mothers to bed-ridden wounded American soldiers to the brave men and women in uniform overseas to children fighting for their lives against cancer. It brings a smile to my face whenever I think of the soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan who write us back to thank us for things we send to them that others take for granted like socks, toothbrushes, or soap, or the less fortunate who thank us for warm meals during the holidays when they can't afford them. The ALA is wiling to answer the call wherever they are needed and for those who decide to help, political preferences have never been an issue. It doesn't matter who the help is coming from as long as it is offered.
The second group I became involved in was the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, whose website can be found at www.bgca.org. Going strong for one hundred years now, the club has tried to provide a safe and supportive environment for kids as an after school program. The group serves the purpose of not only offering itself as a family to the children that don't have one, but also as hope for the kids who may not have other friends or adults to talk to. One of the most rewarding things to see in a child's life is to see them smile once they overcome one of their obstacles, and it's a privilege to help them achieve that. At the very least, the club gives disadvantaged children a place for safe and fun recreation where they otherwise might get themselves lured into trouble without supervision. What ever be the case that the kids come is not what really matters. It is just important that the club is there as a positive and supportive place for kids to feel welcome to come.
I couldn't honestly choose one organization over the other for my third organization, so I thought that I would perhaps give a brief description of these final few. Familiar to all ears, the Salvation Army website is www.salvationarmyusa.org ad access to the international site is available from here as well. I know I have clothes and such that I know I won't have use for anymore but there is someone out there who could. Helping the Salvation Army out is even simpler than joining a group, as a lot of the time they already drive one of their own trucks around to pick up your tax-deductible donations. If they don't already, you can usually call to schedule a pick-up or drop-off and you didn't even be home when they come by. Another simple way to help is to donate blood, especially if you have a rare type because these donation types are harder to come across. The most well known organization for this is the American Red Cross, whose website is www.redcross.org, but there are many other groups or hospitals who offer similar blood drives, banks, and donation sites.
Additionally, there are numerous charities and benevolent organizations in the United States and around the world that go unnoticed or unspoken that provide relief to those in need, but these are just a few to spark ideas of ways to help. It's also a great reminder to myself that there are always more ways out there to help.
I live in the city of Pune, in Central India. In and around the city, I found these three charitable organizations which I respect a lot. One of these I am already part of.
Synerge-Pune:
This is an organization formed by the employees (all young and enthusiastic
software programmers) from Calsoft Inc. and Nevis Networks, two young
and vibrant software firms in themselves. I am currently a member. The
team comprises of people ranging in ages from 22 to 35 and their goals
are the following :-
1) To maintain a bank account with a pool of money contributed not only
by members, but also their friends, family and other interested people.
2) To recognize opportunities where the money can be wisely used for
the benefit of someone who needs it and to validate that the opportunity
is well worth it. Then, assign tasks to team members who are free at
the given point in time (as they are all busy software engineers) and
ensure timely execution of the plan.
The team has successfully pin-pointed the City juvenile prison as a
place where young kids are held by the government as its first focus
area. We have already carried out the following activities successfully
:-
a) Christmas party where we all played games, sang songs and enjoyed
good food together with the kids who are usually deprived of not only
their parents’ affection, but also such enjoyable activities.
b) A medical camp where we invited 3 doctors to do a thorough checkup
of the kids and prescribe basic medicines (de-worming tablets, anti-biotics
if required, etc.). We purchased the prescribed medicines, in addition
to calcium and iron supplements for the kids and ensured proper distribution
and timely consumption (in cooperation with the authorities). Notably,
there was a severe case of jaundice in one of the kids which the authorities
had neglected, and we ensured the kid was taken to a hospital and treated.
We also arranged ambulance service for around 25 other kids, that needed
further tests and treatment in a government hospital.
c) Follow-up a month later, with another doctor, to rescan all the kids
to see if they have gotten better from the last time we inspected them.
Infosys group :
This is another group run by young and vibrant software engineers from Infosys, which is a really big company and they have a lot of helping hands to go around. The group has identified an AIDS shelter for kids affected who are HIV+ as their main focus. They regularly organize fun camps, celebrate major festivals, conduct periodic camps, and train the kids in the fine arts like drama, painting and music. Their drive is to do as much as possible over the weekends that they have away from work.
CRY (www.cry.org) :
CRY (Child Relief and You) is the country’s biggest charitable organization and it has realized one of the biggest problems facing this country. The poor kids in the villages in India, do not get an opportunity to lead a normal life with schooling and higher education like we all do. Their parents cannot afford to give them a proper education and sometimes even proper nutrition. The most popular scheme that CRY successfully executes is the “Adopt a child” scheme, where people can adopt a child, not literally, but by paying bi-annually for his/her education, or clothing, or nutrition, or healthcare. Depending on the scheme one chooses, they can either fully or partially support a child. The government also supports this cause by ensuring all donations are tax-free. Their website details how successful they are today and how many lives they touch everyday to make a difference.
There are several charities in the Seattle Area. One of which I found interesting was called Earth Ministry. They are a local group of Christians who do their best to help protect local nature preserves and vital areas for wildlife and habitats. They find that their faith is what drives them. God has created all things, and as such, nature is an aspect of God's creation that is to be protected and considered holy. The reason they appeal to me, is because as a christian, I agree that God's earth should be protected.
The second charity that I found appealing is not really a charity at all... More of an educational institute. The Seattle Aquarium is one of the most amazing places for me, with life surrounding you wherever you are, and so much information to take in about or planets most valuable resource- Water. These folks have many many volunteers, educating children and aldults on the many interesting types of marine life in our area. They also work to edcuate on conservation. As a diver, and somewhat locally active in the marine conservation efforts of our area, I am highly interested in helping these folks out as much as possible. With my knowledge of aquatic creatures and care, I feel that I would be a great asset to them. They take care of one of the most important parts of my life.
The third and final charity I have chosen is called Education First. Based in Seattle, these folks help deserving high school seniors from low-income schools obtain scholarships for college. I find that working with education on any level is rewarding, and these folks foster education where it is needed most. The reason I would be interested in working with these folks, is because of my stance on education- It is the most important part of growing up.
This is my Soul of Charity assignment, I hope you find it to be of your liking!
Well, at first I was thinking, do I even know of any
charity organizations? Where does one go to volunteer? And how is volunteering
defined? I was thinking about this as I was checking my email, and then
realized that half of the emails I was reading were from charity and
volunteer organizations, and I hadn't even noticed because I had thought
that only volunteering in person counted.
I am on numerous email-lists for wildlife organizations, such as DEN
(Defenders of Wildlife's Defenders Environmental Network), This Green
Life, a bi-weekly newsletter that gives ideas on how to recycle and better
shop for environmentally friendly goods and services, and a couple of
other enviromental lists that send updates on what bills and laws are
going up for vote in Congress and what they mean for our wildlife and
protected wild areas. While I haven't often had money to send to them,
I do read the posts and send emails, faxes, and letters to senators and
representatives when I feel that the issue is one that needs to be addressed.
People have taken over so much of the world, and it is now our place
to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves in our society - the
animals, plants and earth herself. It is great to feel involved with
these organizations, and know that I am taking a a few minutes out of
my day to speak up for what I believe in and make my voice heard in a
place where it matters. I highly recommend Defenders of Wildlife as an
organization to become involved with. Their Environmental Network makes
it very easy to be informed on the many many bills being passed that
we should be aware of, and makes it easy to call, write or fax those
who can make a positive change. If you do donate cash to the cause, 89%
goes to the cause, and 11% to fundraising and continuing their informative
services. Something else that I know I loved as a kid, is that people
can choose to "adopt" an endangered specie, and a little gift
package is delivered to whomever you adopted for. When I was little,
my parents "adopted" a whale and a wolf for me, and I got a
neat pamphlet on each, and a biography on my own whale and wolf. It makes
it personal, and children, or anybody, can see that their interest, time
and money can make a difference, and learn to appreciate why each species
in important in the world. Here is their site: http://www.defenders.org
Another email list that I have found important is the Human Rights Campaign,
which is in support of equal rights for everyone, but specifically gay,
lesbian, bi and transgendered individuals. This list also makes one aware
of bills and laws up for debate and implementation, and lets you know
who you can contact and how, in order to make your voice heard. I feel
it is so important to speak up when anyone's rights are in danger of
being violated, and in these times, this is a real danger. So often we
do nothing until our own rights are being threatened - but we need to
speak up before that day. When anyone is lessened, we all are less. To
contact them, use this link: http://www.hrc.org/index.html
While I am involved in all these lists and do reach out to help others
online and through writing, and sometimes with donations, I wanted to
find something new that I could do to become involved more intimately
with a cause. So I returned to thinking about Forgotten Felines, a non-profit
no-kill shelter for cats that have been abused, abandoned, or otherwise
left to their own devices. They will rescue cats and kittens and give
them a place to stay until they can find a forever-home, and their volunteers
tend all their needs while they are at the shelter. Other volunteers
will take in foster-cats, getting those who have had the hardest times
some TLC and aclimate them to a human home, so that they are ready for
adoption. Forgotten Felines will spay and neuter the cats brought to
them to help reduce the number of unwanted kittens, and they even have
a Barn Cats program in which the truly feral cats can be released to
volunteer's farms where they can live away from traffic, but outdoors,
and be garaunteed to be fed and taken to the vet once in a while. Forgotten
Felines has a webpage here: http://forgottenfelinesct.org
I have been wanting a cat all my life, but unfortunately my family is
allergic to cats, and so we can't have any furry critters in the house.
I have decided that the best way for me to be involved with cats and
satisfy my craving for kitten-love is to volunteer with Forgotten Felines
at their shelter and really make a difference in many cats lives. This
way, I can go to them instead of taking them home with me, and everyone
ends up better for it. :) I am so excited about it, I can't wait until
they call me to schedule my first shift!
Thanks for the added incentive to get involved with charities -- I had
forgotten how good it feels to get out there in person.
As you have maybe noticed, I am sometimes cross and I am reluctant to do what others do. I am some kind of a Maverick who seeks to elude the chains others could tie me with since the one I tied around myself are heavy enough. As a Maverick, I don’t even follow the natural path for this assignment : I didn’t provide our beloved Instructor with a list of three Charities to choose from… I bluntly write about a Charity that isn’t really a Charity.
I, who don’t earn much and have no determined or regular schedule, have no money or time to offer a Charity on a regular basis.
I looked and looked for a Charity I could join, that did not required my time or money on strict schedule, that would be something different, something that would have a meaning to me, something I know how difficult it is to do without. I eat well, I have a shelter and I am grateful for all this. I don’t know what it would be not to have them. What I know is how it is like to not be able to access Culture which is so very important to me. Small means that allow one to eat and rest may not allow one to buy books that are so good companions. They allow readers to travel, learn, dream. They don’t make you satiated nor warm but they make you free. Above all, I am sure that reading and learning from books make people better.
That is why, in Soul of Charity, I wish to write about BookCrossing.
BookCrossing is a trend, a philosophy and a community that tries to make the world a free library. The main aspect of it is simply sharing books. BookCrossers leave their books “in the wild” for anyone to find and read, whoever or whatever the finder is. People who had the book in their possession at some point can follow the path of the book if the finders write “Journal Entries” on the BookCrossing website. Books are registered and given a BookCrossing IDentification number that is unique for each copy. The principle may seem to imply high means (access to the Internet) but it would be a mistake to think so. Basically, there is no real need to write the Journal Entry, the only obligation is to release the book once read for someone else to find. Of course, it is exciting to read the comments finders leave but it is part of the game that a book may disappear for months or years before someone writes an entry. In the meantime, the book travelled and met many people.
The action of releasing is absolutely uninterested for you can never know what will happen. The book may be found by someone who needed such a reading or by someone who would sell the book in a second hand bookstore (it happened). Mostly, the finder is another BookCrosser but the book is always released again and again and makes its journey through the world.
One of my first bookCrossing experiences was a special occasion in BookCrossing, a “Happening” somehow. BookCrossers for my city came with dozens of books by a sunny Saturday morning and hung them to a carefully chosen tree. We were sharing good times together when homeless people came to us to talk and take books, other people came too and all were chatting freely. For that lapse of time, we were all equal and it is important for whoever feels an outcast to have the feeling of belonging again. Just ask them.
Another special operation of BookCrossing was the promotion of a book about “Rankism”. Rankism is a social phenomenon that imbues every cultures and societies. Under rankism you can pile homophobia, xenophobia, racism, sexism… All disrespects from one group towards another it thinks lower. It also points out how unconsciously when victim of the system we repeat it on others. “Somebodies and Nobodies” seemed an end of study essay like thousands of others written every year, doomed to stay on the shelves of the university where it was written but copies where offered to any BookCrosser who would ask for one. Then, through BookCrossing, they would be released and be read by people who would have never bough them.
What I enjoy in BookCrossing and its community is the sharing, among us and with other unknown people. It’s completely free in so many senses. It is when, where and how you want, as often as you want or can. You don’t even have to join to participate. BookCrossers from my city have become my friends and we meet very often. Regardless of our age, group, religion or social background, we know we are also there to help each other. All BookCrossers form a great world wild web of friendship.
It’s not much : it’s - only ? all? - about sharing.
It may not mean a lot to who gives money or time to help cure diseases or to feed people in need. But think about it : would you part from your books? Books are close to our heart, offering a book is offering our deep thoughts, our dreams, a part of what makes us who we are.
www.bookcrossing.com
It occurred to me that I could better express the Soul of Charity by
not only
writing about them but by working with them as well.
First I went to a place called Gleaners food distributors. They distribute
donated food to homeless shelters and soup kitchens throughout MI. I
packaged food and helped load trucks to be sent out. They were very grateful
for the help and said I am welcome to come back anytime.
Second I went to a bat preserve that is in the Sterling Heights/Troy
area
(about 10 minutes north of Detroit). I knew about this place from a friend
that used to work there. They usually only let payroll workers work there
but when my friend and I talk with them for a while they let me do some
charity work for them. So I cleaned cages, emptied the trays that sat
at the
bottom and washed them, and I also got to feed them.
Last I went to a thrift store in Detroit that I worked at a few years
back.
My church had a community service (charity work) thing called Strive
and we
helped move things and such in their basement that few years ago. When
I
went there last week they were very receptive to the help. I helped stock,
move heavier things, organize their basement, and check clothes for moth
holes and such.
After doing this charity work for my community I learned that it really
isn't that bad. I have fit something into my schedule so that at least
once a
week I can go out to a charitable organization and do 4 or so hours of
work
for them. I have also begun taking numbers of places and calling in advance
to make sure they allow charity workers.
Habitat for Humanity is a personal favorite as far as service
groups in the Buffalo area go. I have participated in the tearing down and building of
houses in the past with them, and continue to do so today. They
make a person requesting a home work on other peoples new homes
for several months, then they are fully trained and ready, with the help of other
volunteers, to build their own home.
I lost my house once when my parents were divorced, I was only
given a week warning, and alot of the toys and items from my childhood
were lost. Habitat for Humanity provides people with homes that are fully
paid for, so there is no risk of eviction. Plus, the idea of building
things and creating something hasalways appealed to me.
The Salvation Army is a group which is quite active where I live,
they have several locations within a short driving distance from
me. Their goal is to fufil the needs of humanity in a way that
will honor God, and spread the word of Christ while doing so.
They do alot of work with the homeless populations of the world,
as well as providing services for abused women, and fighting discrimination
of all types. The only project I have done for them was sorting canned goods.
During the period of divorce, food and money became scarce, the only way my Mom made ends meet was with the food from the local food panty. These services are invaluable to people in tough situations.
The Variety Club of Western New York serves to help
children in all aspects of life, whether it be disease, disability,
or poverty. The Variety club of buffalo holds a Telethon every
year and raises money which goes to local groups such as the Childrens hospital,
and St. Mary's school for the Deaf. They also hold a family event every year called the Haunted
Catacombs. A simple haunted house attraction, with some of the
most advanced custom built props available.
I think children are the greatest thing in the world, eventually I think I may even want children, but until I can raise children of my own, I have no problem with helping protect the children currently in the world.
by Helen Bezzo
Established in 1974, Local Solutions is a registered charity located near Liverpool City Centre, providing services to people all over the North West.
They are a vibrant and developing organisation with a mission to improve the quality of life in a region with many unmet needs, by tackling social and economic isolation, unlocking talents and turning liabilities into assets.
They work closely with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, offering two main areas of service provision - training and community projects - which seek to;
Foster independence and promote health
Conserve energy
Care for people at home
Build safer communities
Support homeless young people
Enable achievement through sport
Offer learning for life
Provide a versatile venue
Guarantee a sure start
Customers and service users are from socially excluded groups including
Lone parents
Unemployed people
Minority ethnic groups
Carers
Older people
Economically deprived citizens
People with disabilities
I have chosen this charity because I agree with what they are saying. There are a lot of deprived people in Liverpool and it is good to see that there is an organisation that is willing to give them the advantages they need.
The Newborn Appeal was launched in April 1992 with the following aims:
1) To purchase more specialised equipment for use in the Neonatal Units of the Liverpool Women's Hospital and Aintree Hospital.
2) To continue with Research to improve the quality of care for the delicate babies looked after in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
3) To establish a unique research programme which would place the care of the newborn on Merseyside at the forefront and add to Liverpool's already excellent reputation for medical science.
The Newborn Appeal has supported a number of research projects in the past and the following research is currently in progress:-
a) Improving the outcome for babies with breathing problems
Respiratory difficulty affects about 200 premature babies each year at
this
hospital. The Newborn Appeal is supporting research into improved
techniques for artificial ventilation. Another project, also supported
by
The Newborn Appeal , is the use of bronchoscopy for babies who have lung
problems.
b) Nutrition for small sick babies. The right food is very important for small sick babies A research project in this area is aimed at improving the quality of the artificial milks used for these small and vulnerable babies.
c) Tissue oxygenation
The Newborn Appeal is supporting a project which uses laser sensors to
monitor the supply of blood and oxygen to babies. This is aimed at reducing
the need to take blood samples and achieve a better understanding of
the
requirements that small sick babies have for blood transfusions and drugs
to support their blood pressure.
d) Tissue injury
This project is aimed at ways of reducing the damage that premature and
sick babies may suffer. The Newborn Appeal is supporting a biochemist
who
is carrying out preliminary work.
e) Outcome
The neonatal unit has been concerned for many years with monitoring the
outcome for babies treated here. Some of these children are now teenagers
and this project looks at how they have progressed.
f) Monitoring
The Newborn Appeal are now in the process of establishing computerised
methods for recording the data from the babies intensive care: these
data
are recorded by monitors purchased by The Newborn Appeal.
I have chosen this charity because this is my own personal charity that I support. My cousin was born premature so I know how vital the neo natal units are. With the hard work and dedication from the Neo natal staff my cousin is now a healthy 11 year old boy.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the world wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer - the biggest cancer killer in the UK. They have championed this cause now for over 10 years and have developed an approach that helps people with lung cancer, both for now and in the future:
Research programmes to detect lung cancer at a very early stage, which is vital to the development of a future therapy.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Patient Network offers a support, information, and advocacy service for people affected by lung cancer.
Quit smoking services for adults and KATS (Kids Against Tobacco Smoke) educational programme that encourages young people never to start.
The National Clean Air Award from The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation,
a
UK wide scheme that rewards employers who implement effective no-smoking
policies by giving them a prestigious, nationally recognised award.
Fundraising events and Charity Shops, both of which help to generate much needed voluntary donations (public and corporate) on which they rely.
I have chosen this charity because more people should be aware of the dangers of smoking and passive smoking.
by Maylahni
The first, and by far my favorite charity I have found is Big Cat Rescue in Tampa Florida. They take in cats who were abandoned, abused, or used for commercial gain and give them a great place to live. They have thousands of acres of land and a collection of species from all over the world, and are working diligently for conservation and education of Big Cats. They have a summer camp for kids, they do photo tours to raise money to feed their animals, and 100% of all donations go towards helping the cats. I have LOVED big cats for as long as I can remember, and even now, at 23, I have posters in my room. They are amazing creatures, and are in dire need of our protection. I have to say, a dream of mine is to get close enough to touch a full grown Leopard. Just touch it. To be able to actively do something in making their world a better place would be, I think, one of my biggest accomplishments.(and I am now looking into volunteering there next summer!)
Right now, I'm working with the National Parks Service in an Internship with SCA (Student conservation Association). I am doing Environmental Education, and have had the opportunity to see behnd the scenes, what goes on at a National Park. There are Many issues that need to be addressed, including fund cutting and road buildings, requirements from the current administration that are limiting the good these parks can do. An organization called National Parks Conservation Association lobbies against these bad policies and gets people involved. They run strictly by donations, and have been responsible for keeping some bills that aren't good for our parks from being passed. They are one of the only ways you can support and rally against what the parks are really supposed to be about. Seeing how these policies and financial limitations hurt what we can do here at the park, including educating people on this park and the whole system, makes this a very valuable charity.
There is a wilderness Ethic known as Leave No Trace that we teach here at the park, when kids are interested in back country ethics. It incorperates making small fires that can be burried with logs found on the ground, hiking on stable surfaces, not being noisy, ect. There is an organization that is deditcated to educating people of these ethics, known as Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics here in Colorado. I believe these ethics are important for everyone to know, in order for them to make good decisions on how their use of the land will impact it. Educating people will make them better backcounty users and preserve the space for all of us who want to enjoy it. This too, is a non-profit organization.
These are just a few of the many worthy causes I have found. Thank you
for giving me the spark to research these. I never would have come across
Big Cat Rescue.. or the idea to volunteer over the summer there.
The RSPCA shelter in Canberra has many worthy functions. It is the place where lost/stray pets can be taken, either to be later reunited with their owners or to find a new home. The RSPCA is very active in pursuing Animal Rights, such as campaigning to improve the condition of battery hens. Unfortunately, Canberra experienced terrible bushfires in January 2003 and some of this shelter burned down. Brave volunteers were able to evacuate many of the animals to safety. However, the RSPCA in Canberra is now even more in need of aid than ever to help rebuild the shelter. This charity is probably the closest to my heart – I have always cared passionately about animal welfare. I also bought my dog at the RSPCA and fully support their animal adoption program.
The Koomarri Association provides services and support for people with disabilities in Canberra and the surrounding region. These services include job placement and residential assistance for those suffering from disabilities, as well as training and education for carers. Koomarri also operates several businesses, such as gardening, florist and retail shops providing employment for people with disabilities and raising money for the Association. I believe this to be a very important organisation that has a real presence in the Canberra community. I wholeheartedly support the work being done by the Koomarri Association and would be happy to help in any way I can.
Pegasus provides opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the pleasures and benefits of riding and caring for horses, and taking part in a variety of horse sports. It is a voluntary organisation and depends on volunteers for many things, such as financial assistance, administration and feeding/caring for the horses. I first found out about this charity when I went to a fundraising trivia night quite recently and I believe it to be an extremely worthwhile endeavour (like most charities).
