Blinding Selfishness: The State of Charitable Donations in America

Over the past couple of days, I have started to notice a bit of animosity towards the idea of donating money to the relief effort in Japan. I think the moment that made me realize what is going on is when I saw a forwarded Facebook status regarding the situation. What it said, in effect, is that we are so willing to make donations to foreign relief efforts while we ignore the issues that plague us as Americans. I think I know the reasoning behind this, and it's not a simple answer,

The first issue is that we, as a country, have issues recognizing that there is anything wrong with our country as a whole. We are programmed to look at other countries as broken. The media refers to large parts of the globe as the "third world" and tells us that, without our support, they will never improve. With this mentality, we never step back and look at the issues that are plaguing the United States. Why should we look for hunger or homelessness in our country when it's so easy to find in the rest of the world?

The next issue is that, if we were to recognize issues in America, we would have to continue to work on fixing them. We would not get the feeling of 'doing our part' if we had to continually look at the problems. With situations like the disaster is Japan, we can make a single donation and feel like a hero. If we attempt to battle all poverty in America, we would not feel that way.

Another major issue that plagues charities trying to do good on home front is a problem that plagues many charities. As Americans, we are always looking for ways to do the most good with the smallest amount of financial responsibility. When it comes to charitable donations, there is a stigma that without making a huge donation, you don't make any kind of difference. This is almost never the truth. Anyone who has done charity work will tell you that every dollar makes difference.

Fixing the public image of charity towards American causes isn't an easy task. It will take time, patience, and a lot of luck. The process should start with a push against an obvious, universally recognized problem like homelessness. It won't be easy to permanently repair, but it is a flag that almost everyone will be willing to walk under, and that's what matters,

I want to take a brief moment to say that I am not advocating not supporting foreign relief efforts, like those for the earthquake in Japan. It is vital that we assist our fellow human beings in their times of need, in hope that they will reciprocate should the need arise. My point is to address a storm that I have seen brewing. Give what you can to what you feel needs it most.

Comments

[Mark Price (Dad)]

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one, son. Many folks think that only a big donation helps - and you are SO correct that this is a WRONG idea. A large number of little donations is what makes it work for all of us. As you know, and your readers may not, your mom and I were Salvation Army officers for almost ten years. The little red kettle rarely saw more than ONE DOLLAR bills, and a BUNCH of loose change. However, in a six week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, that little red kettle and its little red brothers brought enough money into the local Salvation Army to comprise 25% of the operational budget for the year - let alone supply monies used to assist at Christmas. What did those monies do? Provided breakfast and dinner free of charge to an average of 40 people each day, provided a roof to sleep under, a bed to sleep in and a shower to get cleaned up with for up to 25 homeless persons each and every night of the year. It was the "nitty gritty"; the basic essentials to keep body and soul together to face another day - but it was donations by individuals that made it all work.
Oh yes, there was the "United Way" - another 25% of the budget. And the remaining 50% of the budget was from individuals who sent us in checks ranging from $5.00 to $50.00 on a monthly basis. Oh, lest I forget, we also responded with a "kitchen on wheels" in the event of flood, fire, hurricane and tornado anywhere in a three state area. We also provided clothing to those in need, and sometimes even furniture to a fire victim to help them get started into a rental home when flames had consumed all their belongings.
This is the experience of only ONE charity, there are many others who help in many different ways. I firmly believe that none of us can do it all, but together all of us can do SOMETHING, and if ALL of us do SOME - we all have a share in making a difference to the problems of our society - even in our back yard!
Thank you, son, for your insights into this issue!