Have you ever considered yourself “entitled?” Many of us never lack for food or education. The closest thing to wondering where our next meal will come from is deciding which fast food chain we’re craving at the moment. If you’re reading this post, you CAN make a difference to children who are in need… and you don’t have to spend lots of money to do it.
Giving aid to underprivileged kids
You don’t need to be as rich as Donald Trump to be able to make a difference in a marginalized child’s life. You can volunteer your time, help spread awareness, and even sponsor kids for as little as $2 a day. Helping makes the world a better place for our children and it brings us a deep sense of satisfaction.
If you’ve decided to make helping children a regular thing, here are some things that you may want to do first.
Choose a cause that’s recognized around the world
Not all charities are created equal. Sadly, there are numerous reports around the world about “drives” or “charitable events” that are being used as front for scams. Make sure that the charity is transparent about their activities and is an active one.
Choose sponsorship to be able to give long-term aid
There’s a saying that goes something like, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” While giving a one-time help to poor kids is good, teaching them how they can support themselves when they grow up is noble. There are a lot of charities around the world that provide sponsorships, and the Monaco-based Unakids is one of them. By paying an everyday fee that’s cheaper than a latte, sponsors can help children go to school, eat nutritious food, and wear proper clothes. When the sponsored kids grow up, they will be trained to the vocation of their choice so that they may support themselves and their future family.
Ask for support
Alone, you can only do so much. But with a battalion of friends and family, you can make your donations bigger. If you’re planning on donating some of your kids’ used clothes, don’t just plan the good deed by yourself. Use social media and tell your friends that you’re planning to donate clothes on a certain day and it would be great if they can donate, too. Doing good deeds is contagious and you will feel great by knowing that you started the ripple of a worthy cause.
What’s stopping you?! Let’s make this world a better place for our kids. And if you’re low on funds, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to make a difference without spending a penny!
Tell me, has your family chosen to help those less fortunate, and if so, what creative means or through which organizations are you supporting the cause? I’d love to know!
Wow! This is some very insightful information on how to go about giving to kids who are less fortunate. These are some helpful tips I will be sure to keep in mind! Thanks for sharing.
Due to financial constraints right now, we are not giving money to any charity. However, we make donations of food to our church’s food pantry and clothes and toys to the local children’s ranch. This year I’m hoping to do some big donations for Christmas.
Love orgs that help kids like this. I have a Compassion Child as well as helping those in my own community. Thanks for the Smile April and including ways to make a difference. The more that know the more that can feel empowered to make a difference.
We had a lady in our area who had a dream to feed the children who under-privileged. From her heart she started within her local church. Today she is sending food to every elementary school in our area. Those who are in need get a back-pack full of food each Friday so that they will have food for the weekend. I am honored to be one of the ones who helps distribute it in our local school. She is now being sponsored by churches and business! It has grown into a huge mission project for our whole county. All because one woman acted.
Wow, Renee! That’s real drive. I’ll bet the entire community is blessed because of this woman’s efforts. Stories like this are what made Oprah so famous- because people love a hometown hero who makes a big difference and changes their own community, starting from the ground up.
Such good causes to get involved with to help children in need. I haven’t done anything specifically for children but I have worked with my church to provide food to families in need.
By providing for families in need, you’ve definitely touched the lives of children, Mary. Don’t underestimate the support and encouragement you can give, even when it feels small.
I went through the whole entitlement thing when I was young. God certainly spoke to me and delivered me. But I still have to guard against the things I feel is my “right” to do and have. Great post!
What a fantastic organization! Thank you for highlighting it!
This looks like a great organization! One to look into for sure. We give through Compassion. It’s so beautiful to see how lives can be changed through organizations like these!
Compassion Intl. is a great organization too, Jonathan, I agree. When I was in high school and university I sponsored a child through them and always enjoyed getting her coloring pages and correspondence. It’s great that your family has decided to make a real difference!
We are actually collecting school supplies this week to give to the local charity providing for underprivileged kids to have the supplies they need to excel in school this coming year.
Marissa
That’s awesome, Marissa! Even when kids attend free public schools, we sometimes forget that attending school does cost something, even if just supplies and lunch. Way to make a difference.
This is a wonderful post – when I was Exec Dir of the Presbyterian Conference Ctrs in So Cal – I found a camp that needed funds to help foster children go to a camp, where they were also nurtured – I so understand that we need to know the places we are giving – thank you for your great info on this subject
Loving your heart to serve and love others! Thanks for sharing this!
This is a great post! My father-in-law used to always save his quarters (he owned a gas station) and at Christmas, he would give them anonymously to a family in need. I thought it was such a great act of service. And last year, my husband and I bought a ton of groceries for a family that was struggling and left them on their doorstep. They won’t ever know it was us but it feels good to give back when we’ve been given so much!
Chelsea, what great inspirations! I love hearing stories like yours. And you’re right, it feels great to help people in need, especially if it’s done anonymously. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
Our church is big on outreach. As a family we donate old clothes and clutter to our church’s pregnancy crisis centre and charity shop. We also take part in our church’s regular D-Day outreach programme – next month we are having a big day at the the church for people to come get help writing CVs, getting their hair done, getting a meal, getting clothes.
Wow, what a great idea to host a day to help people get jobs. Writing CVs can be hard for anyone, and I’m sure the help is super appreciated. I think this is an idea I’m going to share with my church staff this weekend. Love it, Melanie! Thank you SO much for the idea.
Thank you for the encouragement! Although we give to our church and a few other things we could do more!