The holiday season isn't just about gift-giving — even while the budget may be stretched, it's also the time of year to give to charity. It's no secret that things are tight this year. The recession is changing the way we holiday shop, but is it also changing our philanthropic spirit of giving for a good cause?
Apparently so. Charitable foundations and organizations throughout the country are suffering from a lack of funds — the size of charitable giving just isn't sizable enough. Nonprofits, especially on the local level, are dealing with some serious cutbacks in their budgets, thanks to an economic climate that makes giving to a cause more of a luxury than it used to be. Where organizations used to rely on the generosity of philanthropic donors, they are now turning to the government for aid.
It's unfortunate, but while philanthropy is still a valued cause for giving, there are many who just may not be able to offer support this year. Of course, there are other ways to help out — volunteering, for one — but I'm curious: Is writing a check for charity out of the question this holiday season? Or are you still making room in your budget for a charitable donation?
Azzedine Alaia
Burberry
Mey
always give to charity. no matter how bad i have it, there's always somebody who has it worse.
1Of course! I am actually unemployed this year and still making room.
But for those who said no the ad up on sugar today is the Macy's Make a Wish ad. If you have no money to give then write a letter to Santa, or have your kids write letters, bring them to Macy's and they donate a dollar to the wonderful charity up to one million. It is such a wonderful program! I wrote many letters last year!
2No matter how tight our budget is we always "Pay it Forward" each year. Our kids have a new appreciation for what they get each year.
3My contributions may not be as much as prior years, but it is a priority to give to charity.
4You don't just have to give money to charity; you can also give your time. My husband and I are going to make care packages for kids in Mexico and we're volunteering as bell ringers for the Salvation Army.
5I give to charity AS a Christmas gift. My grandparents have everything they really need, so I donate to the Heifer Project and get a small ornament or decoration to compliment the gift. For instance, this year I donated the $ for two hives of honeybees and will wrap some local honey to send for them to open on Christmas day.
6My family doesn't celebrate Christmas, but we do donate twice a year for Eid. In addition, this year I've donated clothes I no longer wear, and am having my parents donate old furniture and clothes to the Salvation Army.
7I believe that if we have the means to do it, we should always help people in need. If we all just give a little it can really make a big difference. Who knows when we might need a helping hand ourselves.
8Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.