Charity

Charity is a well-known medium through which we can express our deep feeling of concern toward those whose needs must be met in order for them to survive the rigors of life.  But before we extend any financial assistance, we should make sure whether those soliciting any financial help are, in fact, worthy of our help.  Donations extended to organizations with which we are not familiar, might, indeed, prove to be “fly by night” operations, disguised as being desperately in need of financial donations.  They are, perhaps, set up temporarily, under different names, shifting from one location to another, and are considered to be ubiquitous shadows that appear and disappear, from time to time. Yet there are those that are sincere and well-established, and have become household names, representing worthy humanitarian causes whose purpose and integrity are unquestionable.

Wealthy Americans are generally disposed to making financial contributions.  Those in the middle class are equally helpful,  and give whatever they could afford.   Americans, regardless of status, are generally sensitive to the needs of those that are unfortunate.  During this critical juncture, when the nation’s economy has severely deteriorated, the word, “charity,” rings loud and clear in many circles of our society.  It is a part of the fabric of our lifestyle and heritage. 

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to come across those that are homeless and deserving of whatever we can spare.  We should not consider them to be insignificant statistics that we see huddled on sidewalks, or standing here and there, desperate and confused.   Even, when we think that some of the homeless might be mentally afflicted, such a thought should not stop us from showing our heartfelt concern toward their plight and predicament. 

Charity does not have to be merely financial.  It includes donations of clothes, food and whatever else we might want to contribute in order to mitigate the circumstances of those that are in dire need.  

Religion itself advocates the importance of helping those in need.  Charity is considered to be one of its pillars.  Bear in mind,  while the recipient of  charity feels comforted, those that give should feel no less satisfied by the performance of an act of humanity, regardless of its quality and measure.