Tuesday, March 18, 2008

I saved someone's life today...what will you do?


One of the more annoying traits about me (at least by my ex's standards) is that I tend to enjoy doing things for charity. (No, not for me, for OTHERS via non-profit pursuits) Guess it's just how I was raised and that little part of my soul that hopes when I die, I've done something good in this world.

I try to do at least one thing a month to help out in the community. Last month, it was a donation to the APL, next month, it'll be working the WVIZ auction and raising money for Q104's Pledge for Pets, and I am always working on special charitable events through work. Today it was giving blood.

I tell you this, not to toot my own horn, but to encourage you to do something similar. God gives us all things we can use to help ourselves and others. You can give from three basic categories:

  • Your Time (volunteering your physical self)
  • Your Talent (know how to build Web sites? Solicit donations? Create brochures? Sing a wicked song? What you are good at can be used to help)
  • Your Treasury (money or items with a monetary value)


Giving is not hard. People sometimes forget that giving back isn't all about the money. You can take something you love and turn it into a good deed. Maybe you love dogs, but your current situation doesn't allow you to own one. Volunteer as a dog walker or washer for your local animal shelter.

Cleaning your closets? Donate any unwanted items (in good repair) to the local Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Take giving blood today as an example - Granted, having someone jab me in the arm isn't the most pleasant of things, but it cost me nothing but 30 minutes of my time and a requirement to drink extra water for the next few days. And what does this simple donation of 1 pint of blood do? It can save up to four lives once it's processed into its most simple parts. That's pretty exciting when you think about it.

I'm throwing down a challenge to all of my friends. Over the next 6 months, think of something outside your normal routine and donate SOMETHING from one of the three categories above to a good cause. If you want suggestions or a partner in crime, ask me. Oh, and if you feel motived, post something about your experience in your blog as inspiration for the rest of us.

Who knows.... you might feel good and make new friends or discover a new passion. :-)

0 comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...