CHOOSE YOUR CHARITY, THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVE AND WHY.
With Thanksgiving and holidays approaching, this is the time of year where people reach out in a spirit of good will to each other. I have been reflecting on some charities that I have been involved in that not only do change the world but have changed me for the better in one way or another. I share these with you in case you may wish to try some of them and see if they might enrich your life as much as they have mine. There are millions of charities in the world but I am recommending the following right now. The criteria is I that have had to have some personal involvement with them and I have seen personally how much they can help and change people’s lives. I hope that if you get involved with any of these fine organizations that you will be uplifted also as you see how much they enrich both yours and others lives.
Special Olympics This was probably one of my most favorite organizations. It made me believe in a better world, in the best of people and in a brighter future. I have never worked with people who were so warm, positive and inspiring. I worked both as a coach (power lifting) and later as a Director for the Winter Games. I was always in awe at the childlike innocence, purity and joy of the athletes. I remember after an athlete would do a few sets of weights, he’d put them down and excitedly go”Did you see me? Didn’t I do well? I did a super job, teacher! Hey, did the rest of you guys see-I did perfect!” Everyone would start high- fiving each other. Usually the same enthusiasm was shown irregardless of how good or bad they had been-they were so proud of their effort. Then their friends would try. The whole time they would yell encouragements to each other and whenever someone completed an effort everyone would start cheering and jumping up and bragging to each other about how good they were. I can’t ever remember any mean-spiritedness or negative outbursts ever to anyone. I was so happy to see people celebrate for everything that they or their friend did-even an opposing team. They genuinely loved themselves and each other and were proud of the attempts made by anyone. I only wish everyone could display that sportsmanship and goodwill to others-it certainly is heartwarming. If I can find the video of Special Olympic race and post it here, I will. That is their whole spirit and it always made it a joy and honor to work with them. I aspire to take such pride in my efforts-even when I fail. If I can ever emulate the genuine love and joy that they have for the success of their fellowmen, I would consider myself blessed.
Make A Wish Foundation This is a wonderful organization that works with terminally ill patients. They want them to be able to live out one of their wishes they’ve always dreamed about before they die. They hold auctions and fundraisers and get many things donated. It takes alot of creative planning but they are able to make some of these dreams come true for kids who probably had given up on many dreams. To have their biggest wish granted-seems like it would only help them and their families knowing that they were able to realize their greatest wish. It’s fun to try to make others dreams come true as well as realize the precious time and blessings that you have that you forget about sometimes.
Kids Korps USA My daughter is involved with this and it is great for kids. If you are a member, each day you can click on the calender and see numerous service projects for kids in your area. I would say their are at least 30 per day. They have everything from feeding the homeless, helping in orphanages in Mexico, volunteering at community events, building bikes for low-income children, etc.. What I love about this is that we are exposed to so many organizations that we never had even heard of. It’s also easy because you choose your charity and everything is already prearranged for you. They have made all the arrangements with the event coordinators so you just show up. It is a great way to get involved with community service at a young age.
Amnesty International I love this organization! They do so much on a world wide level in furthering the cause of human rights. They are so well-organized and on based on the effort of their members they have had success in influencing goverments to change. I have never felt so informed with what is going on in the world than when I became a member. I feel so linked to my fellow citizens of the world and want to do everything I can to help them in their efforts to gain freedom and improve the lives of everyone around them. A very inspiring organization.
Hospice I could not have made it through my Dad’s death without this organization. They help termianlly ill patients with the process of death and help the patient and loved ones know what to expect. It helps make the death of someone you love more bearable. After a death the have so many resources to help you cope. Most service are free or on a sliding scale. They do counseling, have free libraries of books on how to grieve, camps for families, group therapy sessions and many others. We all will face losing those we love although we want to believe it won’t happen. Hospice is invaluable when it comes to helping people with that process. I can’t say enough good about them.
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