Thanksgiving--a Time to Begin Giving : An extra dollar to spare? Some charities could surely use it

Friends and families gather today amid the warmth of roasting turkeys and other Thanksgiving festivities. But for many--too many--the day is yet another in a string of daily hardships of uncertainty, hunger and unmet special needs.

Recession, natural disasters and, in Los Angeles, the riots earlier this year all have put greater numbers of people in need of public and private assistance. Philanthropic organizations are straining to keep up with the new demands as well as providing continued services to the homeless, to the poor and to needy children. All could use more help.

Thanksgiving Day traditionally kicks off the year-end holiday period. This season for giving and sharing is a good time for making a list of charities to support.

The recession has meant tough times for philanthropic groups as well as individuals and businesses. There are more organizations competing for the same pool of contributions. Donations, meanwhile, are harder to generate in these lean times. Massive layoffs have cut into individual contributions, and pinched corporations have cut back their charitable gifts.

Emergency government services have been strained by the number of disasters--natural and man-made--this year. Hurricanes and tornadoes have devastated several parts of the country. Many residents of Los Angeles who suffered losses during the riots are still in need of assistance.

So every bit of help is vital now. A dollar to spare? A charity could use it. If money is too tight, perhaps you have time to volunteer instead? Donations of food and clothing are always appreciated, especially now as churches and other groups begin holiday drives.

The old saying holds that “charity begins at home.” Well, in today’s world, “home” extends to our neighborhood, our city, our nation, our planet. As we gather around the table and the turkey, let the goodwill of the day spread in deed and dollar to those less fortunate. A recession is no time to suspend the charitable impulse.

Help Wanted

Average U.S. Household Contribution to Charity: 1989: $978 1991: $899

People Volunteering for Charity Work: 1989: 54% 1991: 51% Source: Independent Sector