It’s that time of year again when it seems everywhere you turn, someone has their hand out. Yes, that sounds cynical but it’s to make a point: Requests for charitable giving have become such a staple of the holiday season that we’re desensitized to it. Bell ringing and red buckets; flyers and social media posts; print ads and TV news features. Some of us have our usual organizations to which we give; some of us may not donate or only donate sporadically.
But we need to look at charitable giving with fresh eyes in 2020, because, this year, it’s more important than ever. The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic fallout have hit people hard. And the population that benefits from donations and community services has greatly expanded.
For those of us who have been (relatively) financially fortunate this year, it is incumbent upon us to help our friends and neighbors who are struggling.
That is why we encourage everyone to donate to an organization of your choice this year, even if you’ve never given to charity before.
If you want to play Santa Claus, donate toys and clothes to programs that serve low-income families, foster children or seniors in long-term care facilities. Adopt a child from an Angel Tree or sponsor one or more residents in a local nursing home through Presents for Patients. In Kingwood, a State Troopers for West Virginia Needy drive is collecting gifts and food for the Salvation Army and Food for Preston.
Or, give food and nonperishables to local food pantries or soup kitchens. We have extensively covered the amazing work food banks have done to provide families with nourishment this year — particularly households where kids would have gotten one or more meals at school. In our region, we have Pantry Plus More, Mountaineer Food Bank, Christian Help, Meals on Wheels and the United Way all assisting with getting food to people who need it.
Or, give a monetary donation. Giving food or clothes or toys isn’t feasible for everyone. So when in doubt, give the gift of money. Cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, etc. — whatever form of payment the organization will take. If you donate money, you give charities and service organizations the freedom to get what they need, when they need it. Virtually all charities and community services accept monetary donations, which means you can even give to organizations that aren’t running food or toy drives, like animal shelters and humane societies or places like the Ronald McDonald House.
We have not provided a comprehensive list of organizations to which you can donate. In fact, we encourage you to do your own research and give to a group or cause that supports something close to your heart. Give as generously as you can afford to. And if you don’t have the means to give material things, then give kindness — connection to someone who is lonely or a service for someone who needs help or support for someone who is struggling. Kindness, after all, is free.
