Another reason why people are generous around this time of the year is to get tax write off. If the fiscal year is shifted to say May, you'd see a lot of Easter charity.

Of course, it is important to give all year around. People are generally nice and just needed some reminding. We should make it a habit to be generous. I once read that 1/4 of Americans' groceries and 1/3 of British's groceries end up in trash. If only we make it a national habit to clean our cupboard every month! We could reduce food waste and satisfy the food bank!

Do you personally know anyone who could use some help? I have a couple of friends/acquaintences who have fallen on hard times. I'll ask them what they need and then slip them money to pay a electricity bill, buy them a couple of bags of groceries, etc. It's nice to help people and see the direct result. i subscribe to the old saying "Do your given' while you're livin' 'cuase you're knowin' where it's goin'!"

I just learned that the power company now sells gift-cards for payment on the power bill. You bet that purchasing one everytime you pay your bill and slipping it in an envelope as an annoymous gift to those you know are are struggling will be well received.  Alot of the chain dollar type stores have a lot of new name brand toys for under $10. these could make alot of kids happy for as little as your coffee or soda money.  Merry Christmas all

Timely reminder, Donna.

I usually donate once a year to our local Daily Bread food bank. I do it in November, around Thanksgiving, because that's when the Food for Families drive starts, and it's close enough to the end of hurricane season to safely donate nonperishable foods. This year, with so many in need, I REALLY cleared the shelves with three donations and worked a food drive in conjunction with the US Postal Service.

The real measure of your wealth is not what you spend; it's in what you keep and HOW you spend. I cannot keep hurricane food forever, and if some of my time helps someone else, then it is the least I can give.

I have a certain amount of money I feel comfortable giving every month because people do need help 12 months out of the year and not just during the holidays.

I always wonder, though, how does one get to the point they can't feed themselves, live in tents or have the lights shut off?  Aren't there programs people can donate to that would get people out of poverty so we all don't feel so horrible to see people living in these conditions?

Selecting appropriate charaties is the problem.  Most stores, even family dollar, have their own charity drives where customers are hit up for the change left from a purchase, or a dollar to put your name up on a slip of paper.  I question where the money is actally spent-my community or nationwide-and how the fund is administered , but mostly I don't appreciate the constant pressure!

I have a friend that gives a dollar to any transient that asks if she has it in her pocket.  When confronted with the fact that they will use it for alcohol or drugs, her response is that it isn't her place to decide the need. That is between them and god. Her ability and willingness to respond to the request is her acknowledgement to god that he has given it to her to spare and it is enough that she has been asked.

cool philosophy

Cindie, more than all the "givers" to organized (albeit goodhearted and good doing) charities, I salute your friend, who has the courage to step outside the box and actually throw away her money...but she also has the opinion that she's doing good because whomever asked her NEEDED the donation....duh?

You must have very good eyesight Donna.  The only money that I have found this year was a bright shiny nickle and I was using a metal detector! :)

em Yes there are low income housing,food cards,low income electric,food banks,churches,wic,family cash if your not working with kids,low cost or free daycare some states have free two days a week daycare just to give you a break if your low income.medical and some states if you get up early and wait in line to get help to pay your bills for a month. Most of the housing you have to be on a waiting list in my little town that takes about a month some times not at all. But the big cities you could be on the list for years.Yes I too give year round. I work for a company that does fund raisers every other month and weekly I have a set amout that comes right out of my check  .As for the stuff that comes in the mail I pick 4 a year.As for finding money well I just don't have that much time on my hands.

Donna if you gave up that newspaper subscription you would have a lot more than $35 to $30 to donate each year.