Helping the Poor

Published November 28, 2022

According to the World Bank, about 8.6% of the world’s population is living in extreme poverty. That equates to about 28 million people. And with the recent crises, this number has probably increased by several millions more.

This statistic just goes to show how prevalent poverty is around the world. It also shows how many people are vulnerable to hunger, abuse, and exploitation. More often than not, they are also the very same people that society seems to have forgotten.

Though the statistics may look bleak, it can also mean we have 28 million opportunities to help people in need.

You see, helping the poor doesn’t mean you need to be Mother Teresa or Warren Buffett. There are a lot of ways to help the poor in our own little ways. Remember what Aesop said: no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

So if you want to help the poor, start with the things that you can do today.

5 Simple Ways to Help the Poor

Here are some ways you can help the poor in your own little way:

1. Raise Awareness About Poverty

Despite so many people living in extreme poverty, there are still a lot who have no idea what being poor is really like. Maybe they’ve only heard about it in church lectures or seen it in documentaries.

It’s not a surprise then that many people think the poor only need money, when in fact, there’s a whole host of problems that comes with poverty.

This is why it’s important to raise awareness about the true face of poverty. It’s important to let people know that poverty isn’t just about a lack of money. It’s also about being voiceless, having fewer opportunities, and lack of access to a lot of things.

2. Provide Them With Opportunities

Many of us tend to blame the poor for their situation. We often brand them as lazy or too nonchalant to dream about a better life.

But you see, most of the time, those living in extreme poverty are the most hardworking people you’ll ever meet. They often have the most backbreaking jobs and work from dawn to dusk.

What they don’t have, however, are opportunities. Because many of them have limited access to education, their employment options are limited too. They can only take on menial jobs that pay peanuts. All of these traps them in an endless cycle of poverty that goes on for generations.

So if you are in a position to grant them opportunities, now is a great time to start. You can teach them valuable skills or hire them in your business. Sometimes all someone ever really needs is opportunity. It’s that slight sliver of hope that can help them break out of generational poverty.

3. Share What You Have

If you have some to spare, be it food, money, or clothes, don’t hesitate to share them with those in need of them. 

As I said, you don’t need to be a billionaire to help the poor. Bringing care packs to the homeless or donating used clothes to a local charity is already a huge help.

But, of course, if you have a lot to spare, then it won’t hurt to give more. Remember that we are all channels of God’s grace. He did not give us all these blessings just so we can enjoy it all by ourselves. Instead, He gave them to us so that His grace can flow through us and into the people who need them the most.

4. Be a Conscious Consumer

Being mindful of the companies and products you patronize is probably one of the easiest ways to help the poor. 

As you know, a lot of companies nowadays are engaged in unethical work practices. Some outsource their manufacturing process to sweatshops in other countries where people get paid less than a dollar a day for more than ten hours of work. While others employ immigrants and pay them less than half of what they’re supposed to get paid.

If we all boycott these companies that have abusive and unfair work practices, we can collectively improve the working conditions in these places. By simply doing a little bit more research on the products we buy and places we do business with, we can help improve the lives of the people who work for them.

5. Support Causes That Benefit the Poor

There are a lot of charities that help the poor. From local charities like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen to national ones like Salvation Army and Goodwill, there are a lot of charities and causes you can get behind.

As I said, you don’t need to donate millions of dollars like Warren Buffet. Anything you can spare will be a huge help – be it cash, food, clothes, books, eyeglasses, etc. Or if you have some time off, you can volunteer at your local charity or start a fundraising project.

Published November 8, 2022

For most women, their wedding dress is one of their most treasured possessions. It’s, after all, a memento of a very special day. That’s why wedding dresses are often kept in closets – sometimes for decades.

While it’s perfectly fine to hold on to your wedding dress, it’s much more practical to donate it to someone who needs it. You won’t only help a struggling bride look her best on her most special day. You’ll also be giving a new life to your wedding dress. Not to mention, free up substantial closet space.

So if you’re planning to help out a sister in need, here’s a quick guide on where and how to donate a wedding dress.

Where to Donate Wedding Dress

Aside from being bulky, wedding dresses are also hard to store and maintain. That’s why not all charitable institutions accept wedding dress donations.

But fret not. We found ones that do. Here are some of the best places to donate your wedding dress:

1. Goodwill

Almost all Americans are familiar with Goodwill. Whether you’re a donor or a shopper, you’ve probably been in one of their numerous stores across the US.

Goodwill accepts almost any clothing item – including wedding dresses. All donations are sold in their thrift stores at a very discounted price. The proceeds are then used to fund their various charitable programs.

Most Goodwill stores also hold yearly bridal events where hundreds of donated dresses, tux, and wedding accessories are showcased. Some Goodwill locations also offer pick-up services. So if you don’t have the time or resources to drop off your donation, Goodwill is a great option.

2. Salvation Army

Like Goodwill, Salvation Army (SA) is also a household name for charitable donations in the US. And like Goodwill, they also accept wedding dress donations and sell them in their thrift stores across the country. Proceeds from the sales are also used to fund their various charitable programs.

Each Salvation Army location has different donation policies. So if you decide to donate your wedding dress to Salvation Army, you need to contact your local SA first to see if they offer pick-up services. Or you can also schedule a pick-up on their website.

3. Brides Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. But with early detection and proper education, it can be prevented. That’s what this organization is doing.

Brides Against Breast Cancer is helping women around the country fight breast cancer through its early awareness and detection programs. These programs are funded by the sale of donated wedding gowns.

So if you donate to this charity, you’ll not only help cash-strapped brides afford a nice wedding dress. You’ll also help advance a great cause.

They accept all brands of wedding gowns as long as the design is less than three years old. Though they prefer trumpet, A-line, and ballgown-style dresses. They also require that donations must be in excellent condition and recently cleaned. If it isn’t, you can add a $50 donation and they’ll clean it for you.

4. Brides Across America

Brides Across America specializes in providing free wedding gowns to military and first responder brides. This includes firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and paramedics. They give out these dresses in year-round giveaway events in partnership with local salons in 17 states.

They accept almost all styles of wedding dress as long as it’s less than 4 years old and in good condition. That means no vintage gowns or anything older. They also welcome donations of veils, tiaras, wedding favors, engagement rings, and special occasion gowns.

5. Brides for a Cause

For the past ten years, Brides for a Cause have collected and sold about 25,000 wedding dresses. They’re essentially a bridal boutique that operates like a thrift store.

They partner with local charities and non-profit organizations with a special focus on helping women. The proceeds from their shop are used to fund these women-centered organizations that offer programs like:

• promoting self-esteem and a positive self-image among young women
• relief for single mothers and women who are victims of domestic abuse
• promoting employment opportunities for women

Like most charities in this list, they only accept wedding dresses no more than 5 years old. So again, no vintage dresses and anything older. They also accept bulk donations.

6. Angel Gowns

The Angel Gown Program by NICU Helping Hands is unlike any other donation program on this list. Instead of reselling or giving the donated gowns away, they are turned into funeral dresses for babies.

Losing a baby is difficult, especially for the parents. Obviously, these grieving parents would want to send their children on their final journey in decent clothes. But not everyone can afford lace dresses for babies.

That’s why NICU Helping Hands came up with this program. They have about 180 seamstresses from all over the country who painstakingly convert wedding gowns into dresses that a family can use to wrap their babies on their final journey. These baby dresses are provided for free to anyone who will request them.

Published July 26, 2022

For most people, the words “donation” and “contribution” may mean the same thing. That’s why these two words are often interchanged, especially in terms of charity.

I mean, if you’re donating to charity, then you’re contributing to their cause. That means the same thing, right?

Not really. Contrary to what most people think, donation and contribution can mean very different things. So using one instead of the other can change the meaning of what you’re trying to say and may even confuse some people. This is especially true if you’re using it for your fundraising campaign.

So before you interchange them again, allow us to differentiate donation vs. contribution.

What is a Donation?

According to the dictionary, a donation is something that is given to a charity. It can also be described as a gift or anything given to benefit a cause.

For example:

She made a significant donation to her favorite charity after she won the lottery.

or:

Your donation can help save lives.

In the examples above, the term “donation” refers to something handed over or bestowed upon a non-profit organization to help them with their cause.

A donation can take any form. It can be monetary, material things, or services.

What is a Contribution?

Contribution is defined in the Meriam-Webster dictionary as the giving or supplying of something that plays a significant part in making something happen. It also defines it as something given as a part or share.

Other dictionaries, meanwhile, defined contribution as:

• a gift or payment to a common fund or collection
• a sum of money given in order to help pay for something
• something that you give or do to help produce or achieve something together with other people
• the part played by a person in bringing about a result or helping something to advance

If we sum up all these definitions, contribution best be described as something given to a common pool to achieve a common cause.

Take a look at these examples:

• Albert Einstein made a substantial contribution to the advancement of science.
• We all made a contribution to give him a surprise for his birthday.
• All contributions, no matter the amount, will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals.

If you notice in the above examples, the word “contribution” is used to denote something that helped bring about a common goal.

Published July 12, 2022

Need some motivational donation quotes for your fundraising event? We got you covered.

One of the biggest challenges of organizing a fundraising campaign is to get people on board. Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty sure that most of us have that innate desire to help others. But actually doing something to bring that desire to fruition is another story. Some people think they don’t have enough money to donate while others are just so busy with their lives.

But as you know, helping others is not really about the money. It’s about making life more bearable for others. Mother Teresa didn’t have a lot of money when she first ventured out into the slums. What she has in abundance, instead, is a passion to make life better for those whom society has largely forgotten. She proved to the world that everyone can make a difference if they only care enough. And you need to help people realize that.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some inspiring donation quotes for your fundraising campaigns.

Donation Quotes to Inspire Charity

1. The value of life is not in its duration but in its donation. You are not important because of how long you live, you are important because of how effective you live. – Myles Munroe
2. It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. – Albert Einstein
3. What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead. – Nelson Mandela
4. The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso
5. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. – Mohammed Ali
6. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. – Mahatma Gandhi
7. To give is to invest yourself in the life of someone else. – Anonymous
8. The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it. – William James
9. The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them away. – Dorothy Day
10. Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service. – Mother Teresa
11. I think people forget that it doesn’t take a big donation to help someone, just a lot of little donations. – Hannah Teter
12. Giving is an attitude. It is not dependent on the amount of money in your bank account. It’s a heart issue. – John Di Lemme
13. If you want your checkbook to follow your heart, make a donation to those doing work you support. – Donna Brazile
14. You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. – John Bunyan
15. No gift is ever a wasted effort as long as it’s given with your whole heart. – Anonymous
16. Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away. – Elbert Hubbard
17. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other? – George Eliot
18. The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own. – Lao Tzu
19. Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. – Mark Twain
20. Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return. – Roy T. Bennett
21. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo Buscaglia
    
    (Related: 16 Ideal Gifts for Environmentalists)

Published July 5, 2022

Almost every day, we hear news of businesses and large corporations bending the law for their own gain. Most of the time, they do so at the expense of their employees or consumers. It’s no wonder then that the words “corporate” and “social responsibility” don’t always go together.

But in recent years, many businesses have started to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of their operations.

So what exactly is CSR? More importantly, why does it matter?

In this post, we’ll shed some light on the real meaning of CSR and why it matters.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Corporate social responsibility is a business concept where accountability is woven into the organization’s overall strategy. It can also be defined as the self-regulating measure of a business entity to hold itself accountable to society.

In short, corporate social responsibility is a business organization’s way of giving back to the community and creating a better world.

But contrary to popular belief, CSR is different from charity or philanthropy. It’s a management concept that goes beyond making donations or holding fundraisings.

As I’ve said, it’s about weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of a company’s business strategy. Its main goal is to effect a long-lasting and tangible change, more than just temporary poverty alleviation. Or at the very least, making sure that, in the normal course of your operation, you’re making positive contributions to society and the environment instead of adding to its problems.

Published July 5, 2022

We all know what entrepreneurship is. When you run a business or any money-making endeavor, you can call yourself an entrepreneur. But have you ever heard about spiritual entrepreneurship?

If you’ve been thinking about starting a social enterprise, you’ve probably heard about this term at least once. You might also be wondering about what it means.

No worries. That’s what this post is for.

If you’re planning to become a spiritual entrepreneur, here’s what you need to know about spiritual entrepreneurship.

What Exactly is Spiritual Entrepreneurship?

In a nutshell, spiritual entrepreneurship is about letting yourself become God’s instrument in improving the lives of the people around you. Some people may also define it as any endeavor that puts people over profits. It can also be something that is intended to make a difference in the world.

Though the definitions vary, one thing is clear: spiritual entrepreneurship is about serving God and His people. While traditional entrepreneurship focuses on making profits, a spiritual business is geared towards improving humanity as a whole.

The term might sound relatively new to you. But the concept of spiritual entrepreneurship had been around since man learned to worship a higher power. From the poorhouses in ancient times to the charitable organizations in the modern world, spiritual entrepreneurs had been changing the world since time immemorial.

Currently, however, there’s no consensus as to what qualifies an endeavor as spiritual entrepreneurship. In fact, there’s no need to run a business or any money-making venture to be a spiritual entrepreneur.

Remember that the whole point of spiritual entrepreneurship is not to make money but to make the world a better place. So there’s a good chance that you’re already a spiritual entrepreneur and just don’t realize it.

Published June 21, 2022

If you look at the dictionary, you will see that the word “giving” has so many definitions. It ranges from simple ones like handing over something to someone to deeper ones like providing love or emotional support to someone.

But in the scriptures, giving is more than just that. Giving in the bible is an act of praise, gratitude, and recognition. 

When you give something of yourself or share what you have with others, you are praising God by doing his commandments. In the same way, giving a part of your income to the church is an expression of gratitude for His perpetual providence. And by doing all these things, you are recognizing Him as the provider and source of everything. It’s an acknowledgment that without Him, we can do nothing.

If you want to learn more about what the Bible says about giving, here are some of the most powerful scriptures on giving:

Types of Giving in the Bible

Just like how there are different definitions of giving, it also comes in various forms. According to the scriptures, these are the four types of giving:

1. Tithe

In the bible, a tithe is often described as a tenth of one’s income that should be reserved for the lord. It’s more than just a symbol of gratitude for His divine providence but also a recognition that He alone is the source and provider of all things.

2. Offerings

Offerings are anything you offer to God that’s in excess of the required tithe. While tithe has a required amount, offerings are given out of one’s free will. The amount totally depends on you.

3. Grace

Grace giving is when the blessings of God flow through you and into the people who need them. In short, you become the vessel by which God’s abundance overflows. It can either be financial abundance or an abundance in love or spiritual awakening. All of these are given through God’s grace which enables you to share them with the people around you.

4. Alms

This is the kind of giving that we’re most familiar with. Alms refer to anything given to help the poor and less fortunate. From the old to the new testament, the bible repeatedly emphasizes our duty to give to those who have less than us. From giving food to the homeless to helping a low-income family with their groceries, all these are examples of almsgiving.

Bible Verses About the Joy and Benefits of Giving

1. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. – Luke 6:38
2. Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:1-4
3. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. – Proverbs 28:27
4. Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. – Proverbs 22:9
5. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – Corinthians 9:6-7
6. And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:40
7. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. – Proverbs 11:24
8. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. – 1 Chronicles 29:14
9. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
10. A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.  – Proverbs 18:16
11. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. – Psalm 104:28
12. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. – Matthew 10:42
13. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
14. Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him. – Psalm 41:1

Published May 20, 2022

If you’re thinking to yourself “where can I donate clothes for the homeless?”, then you’re in the right place on the web.

As you probably know, homeless people have so few personal possessions including clothes. So if you want your clothes to go to people that really need them, donating them to the homeless is a great idea.

But with so many places that accept clothing donations, you can’t always ensure that your donations go to the homeless. That’s why in this post we’ll only cover those places that cater directly to homeless people.

Where to Donate Clothes for the Homeless

When donating clothes to the homeless, the best places to start are local homeless charities.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with national charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army. But these places operate by selling donated goods and using the proceeds for their various programs. So your donations are more likely to end up in a thrift shop than in a homeless person’s wardrobe.

With that, here are some of the best places to donate clothes for the homeless:

1. Homeless Shelters

This is one of the most obvious choices if you’re looking to help the homeless in your area.

Aside from temporary accommodations, homeless shelters also provide basic necessities to their guests. This includes food, hygiene items, and clothes. They are usually in need of seasonal clothing items like jackets, socks, and the like. If you have linens and towels, you can throw them in too as shelters often lack those.

Coordinate with the local homeless shelter in your area to see what items they accept. Some places may offer pick-up. But most of the time, you’ll have to bring your donation to their office.

2. Soup Kitchens

Despite their name, soup kitchens don’t just serve soup to the homeless. Many places offer a full meal, not just to the homeless but to anyone in need. But aside from hot meals, many soup kitchens also provide clothing and other basic necessities.

At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, for instance, we provide clothing items to our guests. Among them are shorts, pants, socks, and even shoes.

Not all soup kitchens, however, accept clothing donations. So call your local soup kitchen first to verify if they do accept donations and what items they accept. View a list of the types of donation our soup kitchen accepts here.

3. Youth Emergency Shelters

Many young people who run away from home end up in youth emergency shelters. And many of them left home with nothing but the clothes on their back. As such, your clothing donations will surely be appreciated.

Like many places on this list, youth emergency shelters are often in need of seasonal clothes. Some places also accept swimwear and activewear.

Remember, however, that the guests in these places are people in their teens or 20s. So if you think your used clothes aren’t appropriate for that age bracket, better take them elsewhere.

4. Domestic Violence Shelters

As their name suggests, domestic violence shelters provide a safe haven to victims of domestic abuse. Most of the time, they take in entire families with the mother and her children, and pregnant women.

So if you have used baby clothes, pregnancy clothing, and children’s wear, this is a good place to donate them. Make sure to coordinate with them first before hauling out your donations to the front steps.

(Related: 10 Ways to Give Back to the Community Even With No Money)

Published April 22, 2022

One common misconception people have about charity and giving back is that it’s only for those who’ve got a lot to spare. But giving back doesn’t necessarily involve shelling out thousands of dollars. You can help people even if you don’t have millions in your bank account.

When helping people, what really matters is the intent. Anyone can give out cash. But it takes someone who truly cares to make a real difference. So if you want to help, don’t let your financial situation prevent you from doing so.

Here are some ways you can give back to the community even if you’re not rich:

1. Help a Neighbor Out

One of the first things you can do to give back to your community is to help a neighbor in need. Whether it’s mowing their lawn or helping them with the groceries, there are a lot of ways you can help your neighbor out.

Even just sharing some of your home-cooked food with them would be a huge help especially if you know that they’re struggling. Any gesture of kindness will surely be appreciated.

2. Volunteer at a Local Charity

Every community usually has local charities. This means that there are plenty of volunteering opportunities to help people in need.

Nonprofits like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries are often in need of an extra pair of hands. Ask around to see if there are any calls for volunteers. Or you can also visit in person the organization itself to see if they need some help.

3. Organize a Fundraiser

You may not have the funds to support the cause or charity you care about. But you can always rally together with the community to raise funds.

Organizing a fundraiser activity may take a lot of time. But you can always do simple ones like a community bake sale, a weekend yard sale, or a charity car wash. What matters most is to unite the community for a common cause.

4. Plant a Tree

Trees are undoubtedly one of the most underrated things on this planet. They not only provide us with oxygen and wood for our building needs. But they also protect us from floods and other ecological disasters.

So if you plant a tree today, you’re ensuring the future of the future generations. And that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give to the community.

Published March 25, 2022

Whether you’re a bookworm or not, you probably have some books lying around gathering dust. And I bet what brought you to this post is because you’re thinking of donating them.

Donating used books is one of the best ways to give back. According to a study, about 640,000 tons of books end up in landfills every single year. Just imagine how much paper is wasted, not to mention the knowledge contained in between those pages.

What makes this even more unfortunate is that some students have to forgo meals just to buy books – probably the very same books that are lying in a dumpster somewhere.

So if you’re ready to do your part to end this unfortunate cycle, here are some US-based charities that have book donation drop off locations:

1. Salvation Army

Most Americans are familiar with the Salvation Army. They accept just about anything that can still be sold in their thrift stores including used books. Both hardback and paperback books are welcome as long as they’re still in good condition.

Donated books are usually sold in their thrift stores. The proceeds from which are then used to fund the charity’s various programs. Some books may also end up in the charity’s homeless shelters.

The best thing about the Salvation Army is that they have drop-off locations all over the US. And if you’re too busy to drop your donation in one of their bins, you can also call them to schedule a pick-up.

You can find the nearest Salvation Army book donation drop-off location here.

2. Better World Books

Based in Indiana, Better World Books collects used books that would otherwise end up in a landfill and sell them online. The proceeds are then used to fund various initiatives to support global literacy. They partner with libraries, schools, and bookstores. But they also have donation boxes all over the country for individual donors.

You can find their nearest book donation drop-off location here.

3. Goodwill

Just like Salvation Army, Goodwill accepts a wide range of used goods donations including books. All donations are sold at their thrift stores which operate nationwide. The money collected is then used to fund Goodwill’s various charitable programs. Most of Goodwill’s thrift stores are also located in poor neighborhoods so your books will most likely end up enriching the minds of underprivileged readers.

You can find their nearest book donation drop-off location here.