There are things we give financially to during our lives because we are called to do it. Other things we give to because it just seems like the right thing to do. Depending on what touches you, giving to different organizations may already be going on, whether it is to church, hospitals that help cure children, veterans’ organizations, or people that rescue dogs from awful situations, with Sarah McLachlan playing in the background. Some you may do regularly, and others as need or opportunity arises.
I like when I’m checking out somewhere and there is an opportunity to “round up” to the next dollar amount and the money (less than a dollar) goes to a particular entity. You get to decide and give a bit, all in the same 10 seconds. It’s not a lot from one person, but I bet a lot of people do it and it adds up quickly – at least, I hope that’s what happens.
Some of the entities that touch me every time are the children’s causes: St. Jude, Samaritan’s Purse, UNICEF (remember the boxes we carried around on Halloween? I’m totally dating myself now), and Ronald McDonald House. They have all had some support from me, and, if possible, I would always round up for them. It seems like the right thing to do – right up until it’s the only thing to do.
Most charitable organizations are worthy of our help. We decide how to give by our hearts, by leadings from God, and by our conscience. Most are not personal to us, at least, until they are.
The son and daughter-in-law of long-time and dear friends of ours had very premature twins. The babies were tiny and not well. In the following months of spending every possible moment with them at Lurie Children’s Hospital, the couple stayed off and on at Ronald McDonald House. They could not have spoken more highly of the place itself, the people that worked and volunteered there, and the comfort it brought them, knowing they could stay there without charge for anything, in certainly the most difficult time of their lives.
I already thought highly of this organization. I had already read up on them and supported fund raising efforts from friends. Now, imaging this young couple, exhausted after trying to love their children through incubators for 12 hours, having a warm, safe, and comforting place to eat, sleep and shower – this couple I know and care for – has vaulted my esteem and my giving for this particular ministry.
I’m not trying to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. I’m saying you don’t know when you are going to be grateful for the giving you do through Community Purse. You don’t know when someone you know, or yourself, will be utilizing the services of the many charities we support. When suddenly a friend needs information on elder care, or there is trouble at home with your child’s friend, or diapers, food, or therapy is needed, your mind may go back to the organizations you have supported, and your heart can be glad. There are people in the world who have been led to help in more ways than we can count, and we get to support them.
Praise God. Praise God. Praise God.
By Shannon Plate
McHenry County Chapter