Hello,
Welcome to this edition of the Everyday Giving ezine.
October 22, 2005 is Make A Difference Day.
I encourage you to make a special effort to plan and do something on
that day that will make a difference. Last year 3 million people
volunteered their time during this special day to make their community
a better place. To find out more about Make A Difference Day, learn
about projects already planned in your area, get ideas for new
projects, and register your efforts go to http://www.makeadifferenceday.com.
One area you can make a difference, no matter where you are located, is
to help those affected by a tragedy. Many people have lost their
health, jobs, homes, precious belongings, pets, friends and family due
to the natural disasters that have recently hit several parts of the
world. There are probably other tragedies in your own community not
reported internationally in the news but just as devastating to those
touched by them. One of my mentors challenged me to find at least two
ways I should be helping in the recent disasters and then continue to
help. Use the article below to start finding ways you can help someone
suffering from a tragedy as
well.
If you know of someone else that could benefit from this ezine, please
forward it to them. I would like to know if this ezine has been a help
to you. You can always send me a note with your comments or questions
to roger@everydaygiving.com.
Thanks,
Roger B. Carr
"Mentor to the Rich of Heart"
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What Can You Do When Disaster Strikes Somewhere Else? |
by Roger Carr
Several
of the largest natural disasters have occurred recently. These include
the earthquake and tsunami in South East Asia and Hurricane Katrina in
the Southern United States. Thousands of disasters
occur every year. They all don't affect thousands of people, but the
impact is as dire for each one that has to experience it. Each time a
disaster occurs our hearts go out to those affected. However, what can
we do when we are many miles away?
The following are some of the ways you might contribute to others affected by a disaster:
1. Pray. If you believe that miracles happen every day, as I do, then prayer should be at the top of your list.
2. Give Blood.
There is always a need for blood. Especially when major disasters
occur. Contact the Red Cross to learn about giving blood and schedule a
time to donate at http://www.givelife.org or 1-800-GIVELIFE
(1-800-448-3543).
3. Send Notes. Give hope to the
victims of the disaster as well as the relief workers by sending an
encouraging note. If you do not have specific individuals to send to,
send your notes to the local area through relief agencies, churches,
schools and newspapers.
4. Volunteer. Go with a group
to the location of the disaster to be a part of the rebuilding process.
This could be with a local church or organization. You can also donate
your time to volunteer organizations that respond to disasters. One of
the first to respond is the Salvation Army. You can register your
desire to volunteer with them at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.
5. Donate Funds.
Make a financial contribution to organizations that support the victims
of the disaster. The Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters each
year. You can donate at http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP-NOW.
6. Donate Items.
When disaster strikes, people can be without necessities for a long
time. You can help by donating some of these items. If you want to
support relief efforts by providing items, one of the best ways is to
build and send relief kits. The United Methodist Committee on Relief and
Operation Blessing are two organizations that teach you how to make the relief
kits and where to send them.
7. Provide Shelter.
If you are a property owner with vacant rental housing, you might help
those driven from their home. Go to Disaster Housing Resources Online
at http://www.dhronline.org to learn more and register your available
space.
8. Have a Fundraiser. If you cannot afford to
donate funds, conduct a fundraising event. The event does not need to
be extravagant. I am aware of adults and kids that raised money for a
cause by having a yard sale and selling lemonade.
9. Purchase Items.
Shop at stores and eat at restaurants that donate a portion of their
profits to support disaster relief efforts. You will discover several
businesses making this kind of contribution following major disasters.
This list is a sample of things you could do. I challenge you to
identify two or more ways you plan to contribute to disaster relief
efforts. Act on them starting today.
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