I first got involved with UNICEF when our school supported this charity by having all the kids bring a little donation box when we went to trick-or-treat during Halloween. (For those that are unfamiliar with this North American tradition, kids would go door to door to get candies from neighbors on Oct 31st every year to help keep the ghosts away) I remembered when I brought the little donation box around during my primary school days, I did not really know the implications or the benefits of what I was doing.
A few years ago, I donated some money for my friend’s run to help the poor. At the time, I have to be honest and say that I did this more as a favor for my friend than as a way to help. A few months later however, I got a letter from UNICEF telling me how much each dollar of my donation helped the children that are not as fortunate as us. From that day, I started giving donations regularly. I did this because I saw how much my money could help. It also gave me a sense of how much the cost of the cup of Starbucks could mean to someone. Here’s an excerpt from the letter explain how much your donations can do:
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF stretches your donation as far as possible to reach children in need around the world.
$25
Can provide emergency health supplies to cover the basic health needs of more than 100 children for three months. $450 Can supply woolen blankets for 150 children. $35 Can provide immunizations to protect two children for life against the six leading child-killing diseases; measles, polio, diphtheria, whopping cough, tetanus, and tuberculosis. $500 Can buy 1,388 sachets of PlumpyNut, a ready-to-eat therapeutic spread to nourish children with severe acute malnutrition. $40 Can immunize 40 children against measles for life. $700 Can supply enough basic family water kits to meet the needs of 64 families during an emergency. $75 Can provide 125 packets of high energy biscuits specially developed for malnourished children. $750 Can provide one sturdy tent for emergency shelter for a family. $100 Can vaccinate 200 children against polio for life. $880 Can supply five “School-in-a-Box” kits to help resume education for children affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts. Each kit contains enough educational materials for a teacher and up to 80 children. $150 Can provide 2,500 packets of Oral Rehydration Salts to help save the lives of children suffering from diarrheal dehydration due to drinking contaminated water
Every time I donate, I felt good. It gave me a chance to give back to this world. It gave me added meaning to my life. This job of mine is not just a way for me to survive, but also a way for me to help others. It indirectly motivated me, helping me more than hurting me. I’m unable to explain the feeling when you can give, but my dad always taught me to always give when you can because it is just another indication of how fortunate you are.
There are many good organizations that you can donate to and this one is by no means the only choice. For a good list, check out this website. However, I chose UNICEF because I was familiar with the name and the opportunity presented itself on my doorstep. I hope that you can consider checking out the charities in this world and decide on one that you would donate some of your money to since it will help so much!To get started helping others, click here.
Disclaimer – Navtej Kohli has sponsored me to write about this post to highlight my favorite charity, check out her other profiles at bumpzee and prweb
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I also believe in giving back to the community. Personally, although not a Christian, I use the christian children’s fund
http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/
J2R: Good for you! It hope many more people can share their donation experience since it will encourage others to do so.
I’ve been giving to UNICEF for years too…I just got those very same return address labels…Today’s children are tomorrow’s future. Recently, this has been the new cause I’ve been giving to: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php It’s sad, but it took a movie like Blood Diamond and the TV show Veronica Mars for me to be aware of children soldiers.
Maybelle: It really feels good to be able to give, and it’s great to hear what others are donating to.
I feel like this world is such a great place!
The interesting thing about christian childrens fund is that you can sponsor a kid in need. For those couples that think about adopting a kid, but still can’t find the courage, this might be a good trial… You get to send letters and build a relationship with the kid.
Great post. I believe in giving back to others as well because we should always look to help others first.
Also, starting in July, I will feature a non-profit/charitable organization on my blog every month, and encourage my readers to donate anything they can.
Try visiting http://www.playpumps.org/, an organization that builds water pumping systems out of merry go rounds.
I’m a parent of four wonderful children who has made some bad choices in life.Im 38 years old and it’s time for a change for the better! My future wife work’s for coalition for the homeless and is making a differance for many people in need, she make’s just enough to support our family. I am looking for some funding for college even if it’s a dollar per person who read’s this so i can get a degree in Physcology so i can become a counsler for people who are addicted to drug’s and alchohal as i once was. I would like to help other’s change their live’s as someone as helped me change mine. Only serious inquirie’s please.
Thank you.
I used to donate money when I could and it always made me feel good. I also donated to the Salvation Army and The Women’s Shelters in my area. Recently, I have had a lot of financial problems and posted an online diary to see if I could find good people to help me out. Eventhough I have not had anyone help me yet, I am still holding on to my faith and believing that I will get help soon.
Your work is marvelous!!?
I’m Kristine Willey from Families in Crisis Foundation, a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to strengthening families in need and helping in times of crisis. Currently we are doing our “Shoes for Kids” campaign where we are distributing 1500 pairs of shoes to children in families that are in need. We will need approx. 45,000.00 dollars to carry this program through to the end of the year. We are a registered non profit, so any donations given are 100% tax deductable. We are looking for donations to bring hope, promise, and shoes to a child’s near future. “Together, There are Endless Possibilities” There are a couple ways to donate, you can send a cash or check donation, or send a few pairs of new shoes to our address.
Families in Crisis Foundation
P.O. Box 387
Clearwater, KS 67026
familiesincrisisfoundation@hotmail.com
620-584-2158
Thankyou for your time and concern and remember every one person can make a difference and together we can make positive change happen!
Sincerely, Kristine Willey, President
Karen Spurlock, V. President