Giving
a year-long practice, not just during
holiday season
Staff
Editorial
According
to Charity Survey’s Metro Market
survey, more than half of the $250 billion
worth of charitable contributions acquired
in the course of a common year within
the United States are made in the weeks
between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
That means in a period of about 30 days, people in the United States donate
an average of $125 billion. While that number may seem impressive on paper
and may offer a bright outlook on humanity, it also shines light on the general
lack of charity during the remaining 335 days.
The number of recent devastating natural disasters this year has given everyone
ample opportunities to give. The holidays just add one more excuse.
Although the disasters enticed some to turn their pockets inside out, scraping
for nickels and dimes to donate, there are still other causes, in addition
to relief efforts, that need assistance.
Perennial organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Huntsman Cancer
Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the United Way and the Road
Home are just a few of the worthy causes that sometimes get
overlooked when the media call attention to other, higher profile needs.
And while it’s better to adopt a spirit of giving just for the holidays
as opposed to never at all, charity should be a year-round attitude, not a
30-day trend.
With several problems on the United States’ economic plate, including
deficit spending and the war in Iraq, as well as the outsourcing of jobs and
the Social Security fiasco, more Americans are calling for assistance.
Unfortunately, some cries for help go unanswered because they are drowned out
by the plethora of other problems facing the world. In short, the economy is
not in the best shape and the actual cost of living dwarfs the minimum wage.
This means that more and more people are left in the cold, wondering where
they will get their next meal. Food insecurity is a real problem locally, nationally
and globally. It’s a problem we cannot hope to solve with the usual late
holiday rush of $125 billion.
This holiday season, think of your fellow Americans and human beings who are
struggling in their various afflictions. Reach deeper into your pockets with
a healthy giving attitude.
And remember, don’t give up on charity after the holidays. There is life
after December. Just because there aren’t volunteers clad in Santa suits
out ringing bells doesn’t mean there isn’t an urgent need for gifts.
If you are looking to donate to a specific organization with local ties, visit
charitynavigator.org. Your potential donation is always needed.
This staff editorial originally ran in The Daily Utah Chronicle at the
University of Utah.
.
|
