Your Money Matters - Being Creative in Your Giving

The Your Money Matters section  from Volume XV Issue II of the PCC Scroll. The issue continued with the calendar year's overarching theme of "Walking Out Your Purpose" with a theme of "Being a Good Steward."

I realized the article I wrote last quarter is actually quite perfect for this quarter, so I decided to repurpose it! As I mentioned last quarter, giving is something we can all do. Many people jump to finances when thinking about giving, and we can all give financially regardless of how little or much we make. There are also plenty of ways to give beyond finances and plenty of people in need in our community. We can be creative in how we give to the causes or needs we feel the most passionate about.

Homeless

For example, if you feel a calling to help the homeless in our community, there are numerous ways you could help. The help could be done by providing packed breakfasts or lunches once a month in a park. The help could be done by making hygiene kits to give out. The help could also be done by volunteering in a soup kitchen once a week or month. The help could be done by purchasing scarf, glove, and hat sets and taking them to a shelter. Bigger items like sleeping bags, coats, and blankets are also needed during the cold months. You could assist a shelter in doing a drive for these much needed items.

Food Banks

Another way to give to those in need is to give to food banks or bring food to PCC for our ongoing food drive. We joke about “government” cheese, peanut butter, beans, etc., but I can remember eating those things growing up, and they came from a food bank model. I can remember my aunt making macaroni and cheese with government cheese and Top Ramen (I am smiling at this memory). Giving to food banks could be as simple as deciding you are going to spend $5 every week or month to buy canned food, beans, rice, or baby food to help those in need. Individually, it might not seem like a lot, but collectively that is a lot of food! Food banks are especially in need during the summer months and school breaks when children are at home and not getting the free or reduced breakfast and/or lunch they would have normally gotten at school.

Children

Maybe you have a passion for children. You could volunteer your time to read to kids in the hospital. If time is an issue, you could buy books for kids who are in the hospital. You could also donate supplies or books to a school or volunteer your time there in some capacity. If you have children, perhaps you could donate clothes, toys, and books your kids have outgrown to a program that serves children in need.

Services

And remember you can also donate your services. If you are a lawyer, doctor, accountant, life coach, etc. your specialty can be donated to help people who are in need who can’t afford the service. You could also look into donating your talents to nonprofit groups who may not have the staff to do presentations, graphics, etc.

Clothes

It could also be as simple as cleaning out your closet. Perhaps you have clothes that can be donated to Dress for Success.

We may not be millionaires, but I think we all have a lot to give. I would encourage you to make 2016 a year about using your gifts, talents, and resources to serve and give to those in need.