Giving is so good

This week's topic is something that is really close to my heart. Last September, I posted a blog regarding The Bayanihan Spirit,  which referred to the spirit of communal unity or the communal effort to achieve a particular objective. Although I was not able to reach the total donation goal, I am very proud to say that a lot of people still generously responded to this plea for help. I also believe that this was a great opportunity to make people aware of events and stories that affect other people in this world. Most often we get so wrapped up in our world that it is hard to see past it. We do not realize how other people are suffering and how we can help change that in our own simple way.

If you think about it, most of us live very comfortably so it really isn't a big deal to donate money. What is $10 or $20? That could easily be a meal, a movie, or a night out that you can skip during the week. Now if you are really short on money then you can at least think about donating time. This is better known as volunteering -- another form of giving that doesn't take up a lot of money. In fact, it said that for 2010 volunteering is one of the top new year's resolutions in the US.

As for the controversies surrounding monetary donations, I believe that this is something that cannot be avoided. When I did the fundraiser for the Typhoon Ondoy victims, I did get a lot of inquiries as to where the money was going. It was totally understandable given the fact that there were some people out there trying to take advantage of a tragic situation. Well, there will always be a few people doing this but it shouldn't really discourage anyone from giving. This is why it is suggested that we use our discretion when sending money or goods out. The best way is to do your own research -- surf the web or even call/email organizations or individuals soliciting. Another good tip is to scan news sources like CNN, which would post links to legitimate organizations like The Red Cross. There is also a list of disaster relief agencies here.

By now, all of us are aware of what happened to Haiti and fortunately there are actually watchdogs out there tracking scammers. A simple Google search will pull up warnings like this to avoid falling into a scam trap. I know it is sad but true. I, myself, try not to focus on negative things like these because what is important is that we give and that we give freely. We have so much surplus and so much in excess that it is not too hard to offer up what others can utilize. As one of my favorite authors, Dr. Wayne Dyer, writes:

"Just as nature fills voids by maintaining the cyclical balance necessary to our world, be an instrument of increasing where you observe deficiencies. Practice giving by dedicating a portion of your earnings to be used to ease deficits. If you can’t offer money to those who are less fortunate, say a silent blessing for them. Offer a prayer when you hear an ambulance or police car siren. Look for opportunities to fill the empty spaces in other people’s lives with money; things; or loving energy in the form of kindness, compassion, joy, and forgiveness."

Think about it. This is why giving is so good!

-Grace is a blogger for The Sorbate. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.