Age Spots: The Gift of Giving

I know it’s still early, but I like to begin my Christmas shopping as soon as possible. Spending time searching for the perfect present is so much fun. The look of joy on the gift recipient’s face when they open something they know was chosen especially for them gives most gift givers a great amount of happiness. I truly enjoy the hunt for the “perfect” present.

For many non-profits such as Aging Matters, the perfect present could be the gift of a donation. Around the holidays, we feel especially generous and many give donations to causes that are important to us. Giving monetary gifts enables many nonprofits to survive to do their good work. If you like the idea of giving but do not know where to start, try finding a cause you personally care about. If you find an organization that helps a demographic or services a group you care about, you then feel even better about donating. There is an organization out there for almost everything: veterans, animals, children, seniors and the environment are some common groups that benefit from your philanthropy.

Before you give, it is a good idea to check out how your money is spent within an organization after it is donated. How much of each donated dollar goes to direct services to benefit the cause, and how much goes for administrative costs? There are many resources on the internet to help look into charities and how they spend donated dollars. Once you find a cause you are passionate about and you check it out to make sure it is a legitimate organization, then you can give freely.

Remember, money is not the only thing you are able to give. Many organizations depend on volunteers to assist them year-round. Our senior centers are always looking for help to deliver meals, assist with paperwork or organize events. If you have a talent for the computer or dancing or clipping coupons, you can always volunteer to teach others. Some people find joy working with children; there are programs that allow you to volunteer to help children learn to read or help those with a limited income do their taxes.

If you want to volunteer your time and do not know where to start, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer Intergenerational Center (RSVP/VIC) could help you find a fulfilling volunteer placement. RSVP/VIC’s mission is to help people, help people. Short-term or long-term, there are always organizations looking for help. The joy we get from assisting others is like nothing else.

For those who may not have time or money to donate, do not fret — several resale and thrift shops would happily take your gently-used items to sell. If you have clothes, furniture or household goods still in good shape that you no longer need, please consider donating them. These stores sell the donations you give and use the money to support their efforts. You get rid of stuff you do not need, and people get the help they need. It’s a win-win!

As the holiday season approaches, remember to take time for yourself, and enjoy the season of giving.