Holiday Charitable Donations Are At An All Time Low

Winter is embracing the country, and during this time of the year it is easy to overlook the members of our communities who are less fortunate. Gas prices are at unaffordable rates and this is one of the major reasons charities are receiving less donations this year. Many Americans simply do not care, or have the opinion that there isn't much they can do to make a difference.

Many people depend on a monthly visit to the local food bank to make ends meet. Food Banks in Ohio are facing many shortages, and this is having a depressing affect on the people who depend on this assistance. Thanksgiving is one week away, and many poverty stricken families in Ohio will not be blessed with the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I spoke with Mr. Smith, a volunteer at the food bank that serves my area. I learned that this year, no hams or turkeys are available for the needy. " It will be a tough season for us. We can't do much better than frozen chicken nuggetts and a few cans of vegetables this year." Mr. Smith explained to me, " People just aren't donating and we have about 300 families who will be disappointed." This is just one of the many issues our communities are facing across the nation. If a handful of people in each community were willing to make the effort a difference could be made.

First of all, purchasing a few cans of soup or vegetables to donate to a local organization will make a difference. Spending just a few dollars is all it takes. Lets be honest, for one dollar you can purchase around eight packages of Ramean Noodles. In the life of a family with no food, those Ramean Noodles are a blessing. By encouraging your family, friends and co workers to donate something, you are making a difference. Often you can find a few items worth donating in your pantry, if you can't afford the mini shopping trip.

Be wary of who you make cash donations to. Places like the Salvation Army pay bell ringers up to twenty dollars an hour, that obviously comes out of donations. Sure the Salvation Army does wonderful things for the community, but the bell ringing should not be a job, it should be volunteer work.

Sometimes, giving an old coat or sweatshirt to a homeless person is just as good as cash. It gets really cold when you are sleeping outdoors, and an extra layer of clothes will help the homeless stay warmer. We should be kind to the unfortunate, and remember, easily that could be you or I begging for change. The point is you can make a difference, if you make the effort.