Giving Day

Yesterday was the official “giving day” which follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s Interesting to note the order that they happen on the calendar.

Yesterday I had many, many emails and text messages from charitable organizations, most who know me and I have given to in the past. It’s a day to “double down” and when you give your donation it is worth twice the amount. By whom? I’m not always sure who matches the funds, but I hope it is true and that many charities get double the help they need.

I thought about which ones to give to yesterday. So many choices, so many good causes. So much need!

I chose ones that mean something to me.

I gave to Habitat for Humanity. It’s an international organization that I have had the pleasure to personally be a part of, and so I know what a huge difference they make for the struggling, the working poor, often a mother who badly wants a warm, safe place to raise her children.

I gave to Planned Parenthood. It’s especially appropriate to give now as the US Supreme Court will hear a court case today that could turn back the hands of time, and change the Roe vs. Wade ruling. I believe in a woman’s right to choose. Don’t misread that. I do not believe in willy-nilly ending life. But, I believe every woman, along with her doctor and clergy, and/or family, should have the right to decide what is best for the unborn and the already born. I also wish we Americans took better care of the babies once they are born.

I gave to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. And, yes, this donation was also timely – unfortunately, yesterday we in America had another senseless (and stoppable) gun tragedy in one of our high schools. One young male student took the lives of three others and severely injured others. He should never had been able to get his hands on a gun. Adults need to be held responsible for gun use, and safety. Guns need to stop being used to scare someone, or to settle a bet, or to pull out during road rage. Guns need to be securely locked away from children. Guns need to have thumb identification. Or face ID recognition – just like our cellphones. The technology is here, now.

My last donation yesterday went to a local cause, and again one that I proudly take part in as a member, the Pawleys Island Concert Band. It’s our community band. It is made up of volunteer musicians, and led by directors who believe in bringing live music to our community. There are costs – space rental, purchasing music and, giving the leaders a small stipend that barely covers travel. The band gets by from local donations. They have brought me joy as a member because I love to play with a group of other musicians, especially this time of year – at the holidays. We will have a concert on Tuesday, Dec. 14th. We are also playing other small group holiday performances around the area. The band plays for civic and military events throughout the year too. It plays at community events, including this Saturday at the Huntington Beach Atalaya Craft Fair, and Sunday at the PI Presbyterian Church Christmas tree lighting and festival. The band is made of all ages, from high schoolers to… well, still alive! ha There is no audition required. Just a desire to share a bit of talent, and to bring music to those who live in our little part of the world.

I admit that giving feels good. Giving keeps important causes and charities going.

i hope you selected a few yesterday – ones that mean something to you. There are endless ways to help… to give for animals with no permanent home, or to the undernourished in our country and abroad, or those without medical insurance, or those with little to wear to keep warm. And – the children!! Children need books and toys at Christmas. They need gifts that show love.

If you didn’t give yesterday, of course it is never too late. Do it today! Make a pledge to make a difference.

Every day is really Giving Day.