Giving back is essential when you believe in helping others. This year, I continued to learn more about compassion for others. Giving, is something that is usually ingrained in us while we are still children. Growing up my mom used to take me with her to help sick and elderly people in our community. She would care for them by bringing them food and helping them clean their homes. While she worked, I sat and did my homework on their couches. Now that I am an adult and think back, the memories from my childhood are full of compassionate gestures towards others. These memories continue to guide my actions today and help provide a framework for how I teach my own children.
New York Times #1 bestselling author, H. Jackson Brown, Jr., said, “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” Our journey to have more joy in our lives is directly linked to how we treat others.
Below are 3 charities you should consider giving to this year.
#1
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)
SCDAA is committed to helping eradicate the most common genetic disorder in the world. Sickle Cell is a world-wide disease which is characterized by the growth of abnormal sickled-shaped red blood cells. When these sickled red blood cells get stuck and are unable to flow easily throughout a person’s body they can cause excruciating pain, organ failure, and even death. Please help raise awareness about this disorder. In addition to helping to fund this cause, please give blood to help save someone’s life. Blood transfusions are one of the most common treatments for patients with Sickle Cell Disease.
Give at least $5 today (Dec. 2, 2014) and you could win a brand new Gibson SG Supra Guitar!
#2
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Danny Thomas’ dream to create a place of equality within the healthcare system for children has come to fruition beyond what a person could ever imagine. St. Jude is a place of love, compassion, and dedication. The physicians share their research to hospital’s world-wide to make a difference around the world. St. Jude is most famous for the relentless work that is done to help stop childhood cancer, but the hospital also treats other diseases as well like Sickle Cell Disease. There are so many remarkable facts about St. Jude, but I have had the privilege of visiting the hospital and learning that not only do the patients and their families receive excellent care, but the hospital also provides for the beyond the child’s medical needs while he or she is receiving care. For instance, the family will also receive, food, housing, medical care and other benefits as well.
#3
March of Dimes
Premature births often are unavoidable. More than 1 baby a minute is born prematurely. Donations to March of Dimes helps fund research that aim to prevent and provide better care to infants and prenatal care to moms who are at risk of having a premature child. March of Dimes also uses the donations to help prevent birth defects in children. See the image below to learn how funds are being used in our communities.
All gifts made to these charities before December 31, 2014 are tax deductible for this year.
