What do you do to make it better?

Of late, I've been considering ways to give something back to a world that has been very generous to me. Just curious what some of you do to help others in less fortunate circumstances or make the world better.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I am definitely less fortunate than you...you should send me money.

Actually we've mostly given up on the human race and now help two groups: the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (through the Ride for Kids) and no-kill animal shelters. We spend a lot of time and energy fostering animals and working with the shelters. The Ride for Kids is basically an excuse to participate in a well-organized ride with 300+ other motorcyclists (always fun). Since it helps raise money for a good cause, all the better.

My theory on the shelters is that the animals were here before us...and they can't control the environment that we (people) are f*cking up for them. So it behooves us to ease their lives.

We stay away from organized crime organizations like United Way et al. They have huge administration costs (like almost 10% of what you donate) and all they do is redistribute the funds. Too bad I didn't think of it first...I'd be rolling in plenty of dough to put to good use.

[Schrup]

When I used to have extra time (before the baby) I volunteered at a juvenile detention facility. I was on a diversion panel. It is a great way to have an impact on children that are starting to go down the wrong path. We dealt with 1st & 2nd misdemeanor offenses. The kid & they're parents would come infront of the three person panel to explain the circumstances behind their infraction. We then got to grill them & assign a penalty. I really helped me keep things in perspective with my teenage daughter. I learned that you can pay for positive (dance lessons) things now or pay for negative things (restitution) later.

[Doug Zielke]

My wife and I support an Animal Shelter with our money and time.
I've never met a dog or cat that has lied, cheated, or stole from me.

[widebody911]

I've opened a home for runaway girls, 18-24. They need a family, you know?

[island911]

Create art that people can understand.

Propogate knowledge.

[86930]

I focus my efforts locally, where I have a better idea of the impact that they have. To be more specific, a nun at my church runs a "Needy Family Fund". Sister Paulanne is like a young Mother Theresa attending to the needs of local families who have experienced financial difficulties, loss of breadwinner, serious illness etc.

I feel better knowing where my money is going, rather than the "mass marketing" charitable groups who bombard you with TV ads, and bulk mailings. To be fair to some of these groups, however, I should point out that I inquired about the Feed the Children organization. I asked for there federal tax report, which includes overhead and administrative expenses, etc. I was pleased to learn that they do have a pretty low ratio of overhead expenses. I do contribute some to them as well.

I applaud you on your concern for giving back. I began my focus on charitable efforts a few years ago, when I was struck with the guilt over my interest (and investment) in my car. I realized just how selfish I was when I devoted all kinds of time, effort and money into a car that was just being used as a toy, and there where people in the world that were starving. I became so troubled by this, in fact, that I sold my car (a 95 993) and gave 50% of it the proceeds to charity. I also set up a weekly payroll deduction to direct deposit into my "Charity Account", so that I would be giving a little each week (which made it easier to budget). When I accumulate a fair amount in the account, I write a check to one of the charities that I support.

I have to admit, I still struggle with the balance (and justification) for my interest in Porsches, but, I feel much better that I am now giving back. After several years without a Porsche, I purchased one this past summer. My outlook now is that if I can buy a car at the right price, and make prudent decisions with respect to any improvements, I should be able to enjoy the car at very little risk of depreciation. While very few cars are ever able to be justified as an investment, owning a classic Porsche that holds it's value is not something I see as a irresponsible use of money.

Good luck.

edit: Sorry for "spilling my guts,"....I missed my therapy session this week.

[pwd72s]

Animal shelter thing here as well...plus other charity donations. Message of the day...if your pet isn't neutered, why not???

[nostatic]

every morning, I *don't* go on a killing spree. That's how I give back to the community.

although in LA...maybe it would be an improvement.

We have zip for time, but donate money to a variety of places. Humane Society, Union Station (local homeless shelter), and a couple of other various charities.

I'm actually on the board of a new non-profit started by Stevie Wonder dedicated to preventing blindness and making life better for those who are blind. We should have our 501c3 paperwork done in a week or two. We'll take your money

[Moses]

Like all businesses, some charities have better records than others.

The Salvation Army, the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Make-A-Wish Foundation are some of my favorites and have traditionally operated with a low overhead.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by nostatic
every morning, I *don't* go on a killing spree. That's how I give back to the community.

That's very selfish of you. I can think of many situations where a killing spree would be considered extremely charitable.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by Doug Zielke
I've never met a dog or cat that has lied, cheated, or stole from me.

You haven't met my G. shepherd!

Recently, she started doing the "I have to go to the bathroom" whimper at 4:30 AM...not to go do her business, but so she can lie out in the grass (now that it's cooled off)!

[nostatic]

Originally posted by Doug Zielke

I've never met a dog or cat that has lied, cheated, or stole from me.

well, I haven't met a charity that puked or pooped on my rug either...

[nostatic]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
That's very selfish of you. I can think of many situations where a killing spree would be considered extremely charitable.

You are correct sir. I will fix this character flaw post haste.

Which way is Chandler from Phoenix?

[RickM]

Right now the two health related charities that are in full swing (Annual drives) are for Leukemia and Breast Cancer.

The Leukemia foundation that I prefer because of low administrative overhead is http://www.lightthenight.org/hm_ltn

Another approach would be to donate to the rarer afflictions that typically don't garner alot of attention.

Anything related to kids or animals is a nice investment in time and/or money.

[cassisrot]

I have more time than money so my "payback" is to volunteer as a Master Gardener at the Colorado State University Elbert County extension office.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by nostatic
Which way is Chandler from Phoenix?

You're going to take out my neighbors for me? SWEET!

Thanks dude, I owe you one!

[DByers]

I try to do what I can locally, all the way from a recent 24 hour Cancer Event to beach clean ups with the kids. One thing that I highly encourage is to give blood. I have been doing so since I was 18, 4 times a year. It is quick, painless (depending on the experience of the nurse) and you save the lifes of people you will never meet. I always walk a little taller after a pint has been taken.
Find something that strikes close to your heart and do what you can whether its your time or money, its all good.

I must say that I'm really impressed with you guys. 86930(Larry) hit the nail for me with his comments about guilt over all the time and resouces that went into his car. I guess that has been really bothering me lately. I do give blood and donate to worthy causes/church. Just seems like I need to do something that has a more direct and dramatic impact.

Keep the good karma flowing guys.......

[RickM]

.....Just seems like I need to do something that has a more direct and dramatic impact.

Become a Big Brother or Foster parent. I don't think there's anything more direct than that.