The power of giving

"Giving to charity"; It's a phrase we hear regularly, but it often glosses over the incredible thoughtfulness, compassion, and commitment by donors. When heard in conversation, it's mentally filed under "tax deduction," disregarding the selfless, altruistic intent of the act of giving.

Now, that's not to say that monetary donations aren't a significant component of giving, because they are. Money raised by charitable organizations goes to so many important things that are vital to improving quality of life for those in need. They fund research for deadly diseases, or cover operating costs for the staff and facilities of a non-profit organization or hospital. And while both of these are vital to the survival and recovery of patients, monetary donation does not wholly define giving. There are other ways to give that don't involve money. Ways that truly encompass the spirit of humanity and the true meaning of the the word "charity".

TIME

Perhaps the easiest gift of all (and often overlooked) is your time. You don't need a degree in medicine, or any sort of medical training, to come to the aid of those in need. Often, what a charity or non-profit organization needs is manpower. Someone who can put a smile on the faces of those who need it, or someone with a specific skill that can contribute something of value and importance. Soup kitchens need servers, Habitat for Humanity needs people who can swing a hammer or twist a screwdriver, and hospitals welcome volunteers to help with events and reading to children. These tasks may seem insignificant on the surface, but they add up to a mountain of good.

ORGAN DONATION

Sometimes, people need a different kind of time - the kind that comes from being the recipient of an organ donation. Those with organs no longer functioning as they should may find their name added to a  transplant list, which relies on the generosity of the public. If you agree to be an organ donor, you'll be contributing to people who need them to live, or the science and research it takes to guarantee transplant success and functionality. One of your organs could be the reason a parent gets to watch their child grow up, or the reason that child lived at all.

And for those types of transplants that can take place from a living donor, such as blood, a kidney, bone marrow, or sections of your lung or liver, you may find that you may not be able to supply your loved one with what they need, but that someone else can. In return, you may decide to pay it forward by becoming a donor to help someone else, because someone else has already helped someone you love.

HOPE

The most important thing that you can offer, no matter what your financial background, skillset, or genetic compatibility, is hope. Hope is a gift that can light even the darkest hour, when all else seems lost. You can be that voice of reason, that ray of light, simply by being there for those in need. Don't sell yourself short. You CAN make a difference, no matter how small you think your contribution may be. And there are many people, right now, who will be forever grateful for that.