Consider Giving To Others

[Pixelguy]

I would like to urge all of you, people of faith or not, to please consider giving to others before Christmas this year or at any time next year.

I just donated $100 to Samaritan's Purse to be applied "where most needed". It is the charitable aid organization based in the United States state of North Carolina and was founded by evangelist Billy Graham. It is run in recent years by his son Franklin.

No, I do not work for Samaritan's Purse. I am simply very impressed by what they do and the class act of their organization. They are the embodiment of what pure Christian charity should be.

I encourage you to give to the charity of your choice and help the world. Let's not just be just those who complain, comment on what is bad in this world and only think about the worst.

Let's be the Survivalist Boards members who actually do something to help others prepare through education, building water wells, feeding men, women and children so they can become productive members of their society, build homes, treat the sick, etc.

I think charity and volunteering are essential parts of being a "prepper" or "survivalist".

While Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization, they give to people in need in the United States and around the world regardless of their faith or lack of it. Yes, they do evangelize, but it is not a precondition for receiving help.

In fact, Samaritan's Purse is on record for having one of the highest percentages of donations going to aid and not primarily to charity administration or fund-raising.

In 2008 only 5% of donations were spent on administration and only 6% on fundraising. 89% went directly to help people in need.

Financial accountability:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index...ccountability/

You can read more about Samaritan's Purse here:

www.samaritanspurse.org

Here is a list of the many programs that you can donate to specifically:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/inde.../gift_catalog/

Or, do as I did and click on "where most needed".

Merry Christmas all.

[The Saint]

Salvation Army and Boy Scouts here.

[speedofl33t]

Not donating per se but I have a sponsor child in Africa since several years. I see it as a very small paying her back for as a westesrn world person stealing resources from her continent and using up more of the nature resources than she will ever do.

[corndogggy]

Originally Posted by *****

I think charity and volunteering are essential parts of being a "prepper" or "survivalist".

Charity's great, but how in the hell does sending your money halfway around the world help you be prepared in a survivalist sense? That's a bit of a stretch.

[Pixelguy]

Human compassion perhaps?

I never linked charity to preparedness.

90% of recent posts on this board - including many of yours Corndog - have nothing at all to do with

... being prepared in a survivalist sense.

Anyway, charity happens close to home AND half-way around the world, even for Samaritan's Purse. It seems you didn't read my post thoroughly or their web site before commenting.

Originally Posted by corndogggy

Charity's great, but how in the hell does sending your money halfway around the world help you be prepared in a survivalist sense? That's a bit of a stretch.

[OLDWarrior64]

Wounded warrior project and the Boys and Girls Clubs here.

[tmootu]

I used to donate lots but, since I lost my job I havent donated in a while.

[forestdavegump]

I donate alot of time as I have more of that to give than cash!

[Pixelguy]

Perfectly understandable.

You might try some volunteering. I've known of people to do that while they were unemployed and make contacts that eventually led to work.

Anyway, getting out of the house and doing some good for others worse off than you (there always ARE those you know) helps your mood and puts you in a better mindset to weather the unemployed times and perhaps give you some new ideas for getting work. I know, it's worked for me.

Hang in there.

Originally Posted by tmootu

I used to donate lots but, since I lost my job I havent donated in a while.

[300mag]

#4 for me.......

[scipio337]

I dontate time to St. Patrick Center in St. Louis, and money to Catholic Charities. I've been laid off in the past, and when I have, I give less money, but donate more time. God loves a cheerful giver, and no matter how bad you think you might have it, there are others out there who have it much worse.

St. Patrick Center provides housing and job training (with an on-site restaraunt) and help with mental illness.

In 2008, they had 431 people and kids in permanent housing, and placed 689 into full or part time jobs. Its really a great place, and if you're ever in downtown St. Louis, their restaraunt isn't too bad. All the money goes to a great cause.

http://stpatrickcenter.org/Home.aspx

[alergyfree]

I give every day in some way...

[Purdy Bear]

My local charities have done very well out of this family. This year we'v donated either stuff to sell or money to:

The Red Cross
The Local Hospice
A European Hospice
Salvation Army
A dog Charity
Our Local Helicopter Rescue
The Blue Cross Hospital for Sick Animals
Cats protection league.

There will be lots for next year too. My Dads a pensionioner, I live on one benefit and my brother is the only one working.

[MotherEarth]

I need to make an effort to give more. I always choose Doctors Without Borders, or volunteer.

[tadbitangelny]

I always donate to the Red Cross kettle fund everyone I see, I also donated this year to St. Judes Hospital and a few other local charaties. There is a tremendous feeling of peace when you give unselfishly either of your time or money, and like I always say spread a little goodness and it always comes back to you.

[Pixelguy]

I find it disappointing how few people have responded to this thread and poll.

Thanks so much to those who did.

[Firebird]

Originally Posted by *****

I find it disappointing how few people have responded to this thread and poll.

Thanks so much to those who did.

Scripture may have hindered a more positive response to your thread.

But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [Matthew 6:3]

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." [Luke 18:10-14]