Doin’ Good Junk
by sylvia
As the holidays approach, I get more into the “giving” mode, and think about doing some charity/volunteer work (even though I am having a tough time getting into the spirit). I should be doing it all year ’round, as I made a promise to myself 10 years ago when I joined the corporate world and left the social services world, that I would compensate by doing some “good work”. I had been pretty good for the first 6-7 years, being involved in and running several fundraising campaigns for the American Cancer Society, etc.
But like most things I spend too much time on, I got burnt out. But since I am such a wonderful, giving person, I need to find an outlet for some year round volunteering/charity work. But mostly, I am a major believer in the karma, so I like to dish it out real good.
But what to do? I used to have passions about things and now – not so much. For Christmas presents last year I made donations in people’s names but I want to do something more active, and maybe all throughout the year.
So I pose this question to you – what do you do to give back? Do you have a pet cause or charity that needs more support? Any suggestions for where I can get my charity-on?
Buy a shitload of McDonald’s coupons and when you see somebody asking for money, give them some.
Oh, and make me some pie.
Peace,
Shannon
OK-I have several that I am passionate about. National Missing and Exploited Children-scary shit and I love kids (and have a 15yr old niece that has been missing for 3.5 months). ASPCA-I love animals. Holiday Season-food banks and toys for tots type programs. And my baby…MS Society-’cause I have MS and it ain’t stoppin me (I am actually running the Boston Marathon this year as part of a charity program for the MS Society, so if you want to roll all your charity into one cause this year-I HAVE OPEN HANDS AND NEED SOME MONEY! hahaha). Anyway, I also try to do things like United Way donations from my paycheck, etc to make it easier and not one big hit.
I try to get involved with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society when I can. It debilitates thousands of people, and my cousin died of complications from MS last year. She was only 31. This past year I volunteered for Bike MS. I’m not a good bicyclist, so I helped set up and monitor the finish line. There are also MS Walks around the country. You could donate, fund-raise, and/or walk for the cause. Just check out the internet for more info.
I don’t know if there’s a Meals on Wheels near you, but the one by me is ALWAYS in dire need of volunteers.
Hi, just found you guys recently & think you’re pretty cool. I know this is off-topic but I share your love of VH1 reality dating shows and was wondering: are you planning to watch that new Frank the Entertainer show coming up in the new year? I’m torn, myself. On one hand, I can’t stand that guy and would rather watch him get humiliated than date. But on the other hand whenever they come out with another one of these craptastic shows I just can’t seem to stay away. Oh VH1 I wish I could quit you & your skanks!
Children’s National Medical Center here in DC is always looking for volunteers around Christmas time as is Walter Reed Medical Center (injured servicemen and women). I get a little verklempt when I go to these places and see what these people are trying to overcome. Then I just want to go home and punch myself in the face for being such a whiny milquetoast about the fact that my new couch doesn’t fit perfectly in the corner like I want it to.
As part of my graduate studies, I volunteer at a refugee and asylum center. They are always in need of both volunteers and funding, since they are a non-profit organization. Outside of that, if you want to make small contributions throughout the year, depending on your geographic location, I would definitely check out local women’s shelters to see if they have special dinners or volunteer opportunities. Another organization that is close to my heart is Catholic Worker. They are usually run out of large houses and serve the local homeless community with community meals, outreach, tutoring, and much more.
Hope all that information is helpful.
My “pay it forward” this year is giving a young gangsta rapper 3K worth of studio time for $50, which is all he could pay.
Meals on Wheels are ALWAYS in need, and local retirement/rest homes always need ppl to come in and visit with the retirees.
In the spirit of giving: My friend AnukSul in San Francisco is bipolar, HIV+, and homeless. Last week he had his cellphone, his shoes and his coat stolen in the homeless shelter on the same day. So he decides that the others in the shelter need help more, so he has organized a collection from the Castro Street businesses of socks, coats, gloves and hats. He calls it ‘Operation Black Santa’, because all he could afford for donation containers was a roll of black trash bags.
How’s that for holiday spirit?