As we grew up, we likely heard time and time again that sharing is caring. That same ideology exists in the adult world and no longer applies to just sharing toys with a sibling or daycare pal. Sharing because one cares can be executed in a number of ways, though, there is one way that is one of the most easiest, helpful, thoughtful and beneficial: donating to charity.
While there is probably a long scroll that is dedicated to listing the several thousand reasons why being charitable is so important, in an effort to keep things simple for now, here are just some positive aspects of being a donor to charity:
- Can benefit others all around the globe
- Sets a good example for future generations
- Makes positive impacts locally
- Tax deductible
- Promotes a happier, healthier life
Global Impact
Helping thy neighbor doesn’t just apply to the family next door; it radiates to our neighbors that span across the globe. Everywhere, in every country, state, providence and island, there is someone in need. With that being said, there is never a better time to donate to charity than anytime it is possible.
The American dollar can translate to being worth much more in other areas of the world than it is in America, and sometimes even just $10 USD can feed a family of seven for three weeks elsewhere in the world. For example, $1.00 United States Dollar is worth $8.50 Norwegian Kroner.
By choosing to donate to a country other than one’s own, the possibility of helping a lot by giving a little is heightened immensely. For those that wish to donate but can’t afford to send buckets of cash to a good cause, this may be the best option.
Being An Excellent Example
Children see; children do. Choosing to be charitable, especially if one decides to involve youth in the process, can help children learn that being a donor is a positive thing. It can encourage them to eventually incorporate being a donor to charities later in their lives, which helps set the course for a better, brighter future, both for the younger generations of now and those in need in the future.
Local Impact
All charity donations do not necessarily need to be sent to a globally or nationally recognized organization. In almost every community, there are a number of ways that individuals can make a difference through placing donations.
Food banks are almost always in need of food, household items such as dish soap, hygiene products such as shampoo and other supplies, and often rely on mainly donations to keep their patrons able to receive what they need to meet the demands of their own households. In counties in northeast Montana with only a few thousand residents, food banks have had to limit the number of items that those that utilize the food bank can take home each month, as there is not enough funding or donations to meet demands.
Many churches and other places of worship rely on charity donations to keep their doors open. The same can be said for many nonprofit hospitals and nursing homes who serve hundreds each year and are home to many sick, disabled elderly persons. For a 95 year old man suffering from dementia with no living family, a single donation can mean the difference between a bed to sleep in and spending the remainder of their life on the streets.
Tax Deductions
Come tax season, many individuals find that time to be quite stressful, and they only hope that their tax returns give them a pat on the back (or a heftier wallet). One of the best ways to see that giving to charity doesn’t mean that you’ll never see that money again is by choosing to donate to charities that are qualified, or in other words, consider donations as tax deductible expenses. This helps to reduce one’s taxable income, thus lowering the tax bill entirely. The Internal Revenue Service believes that giving should pay off, and many large donors to charity are well aware of that once their tax returns are made available to them.
Improves Emotional Well-Being
There are many studies that suggest that donating to charity has a positive impact on an individual’s mental health, making them happier and healthier. As doctors and scientists alike have told us, the key to a long life is by living it as healthy as possible, and that definitely includes having a healthy mind. By putting others before oneself in the form of being a donor to charity, it is not only the donation recipients who will have a lasting positive experience.
In this article posted by the Mental Health Foundation, the many health benefits of giving to charity are listed as well as ways to go about helping out that will best benefit one’s individuality.