GREAT DEBATE-Charity

Ok.....so I was down in Baltimore City today and I came across a guy asking for money because he was homeless etc...so I gave him a dollar.....which got me thinking (I know a very Sex in the City thing to say) Is Charity truly selfless or do we give because we know in someway we will get something out of it..... For instance, do we give because we fear if we don't karma will come back and kick us in the ass? Do we give because it makes us feel better (pay it forward) in the hopes that should we ever be in that position someone gives to us? I know deep for a Monday morning,,,,,,,, Discuss......:)

oh, i could talk about this forever.  as a member of my company's volunteer leadership council, i can say that most people give of themselves and give their money because they've been taught by someone in their life, or an experience in their life, that people need people.  i'm a huge supporter of things being funded through the private sector and believe that if we were taxed less, most people would be more generous with their money.  i volunteer for many organizations throughout baltimore and anne arundel county, including habitat for humanity, ronald mcdonald house, red cross, christopher's place, our daily bread, girl scouts and more.  not only do i love spending time with people that truly appreciate what i do, but it's also a great way to spend valuable time with your children.  children LOVE doing volunteer work and it teaches them a lot about life in general.   all that being said... i support the belief that by giving a person on the street money, you are supporting keeping them on the streets.  without handouts, they are forced to seek food and shelter provided by people that are working diligently to end their plight.

I tend to agree with Pamela.   As far as the street people and giving them money, I always feel if they really wanted help they would go to a shelter or seek some organization to help get them started. Maybe that is easier said than done by those who have never been like that. Teaching your children young does help them into adult hood and I feel it is a valuable lesson for them. I did this with my children as a  result   I have a son, who always comes accross someone he befriends who is much less fortunate and he tends to take care of them and most of the time his help pays off in a positive manner for the person he is helping however, there are times when the person goes right back to old habits.  When that happens my son gets a little discourged but he keeps on trying to help when he can.  My daughter always reaches out to others and ever since her first job, she has taken the names of several needy children at christmas time and bought numerous gifts for.  A person should give to give of their heart not to receive. Anyway my take on the subject. Have a nice day! 

Interesting, I have heard that by giving to people on the streat I am perpetuating a problem, but I wonder if I really am, I am sure they look for shelter and food regardless of whether I give them a dollar or not and I am not trying to be argumentative at all, but my hope is that I am giving a lil to help them get on the feet, should they choose to save the cash etc....now if they are going to buy alcohol or use it to make a car payment, then shame on me...

I am always giving, I think if a little helps then I have done my part. I serve once a month on a Sunday downtown at the women's shelter.  The ladies and children at this shelter are so happy to see us.  We take all the food and we cook for them there.  This is a very controlled environment with the number of women and children they will take and it is clean.  These ladies has to pay out something every week to say there even if it is $10 and they get all this money back at the end of there 90day stay.  This allows them to have there first months rent and so on...........  If we have food left over we usually make up bags for the men on the streets and hand them out on our drive home. There has been plenty of time I will put an extra bottle of water in my car when I am running down town.  Yes they usually want money but if they are truly homeless, look at the smile on there face when you give them that bottle of water, it will brighten your day. God will none of us will never be there but you never know.  I think charity is something everyone can grow on.

Kristen, That is an awesome cause, I volunteer with the American Cancer Society for the most part, and have been looking for something I could donate more time to then money.  I am going to look around Frederick for something similar...you have given me a great idea!

Jen You are welcome to join me anytime, that goes for anyone.  It is a great experience.  My little 7 year old loves it. Hugs Kristen

let me know when you go next I would love to come along!

Jen, if you'd like, I'd be happy to send you a list of organizations around Frederick that could use your help.  I coordinate a lot of the volunteerism projects for my company, so I work through agencies like United Way to determine where help is needed.  And as Kristen just said, if anyone ever wants to join me for a volunteer activity, let me know!

Please do, I would like that!!!