Charities

The United Way campaign has come to Roberts Campus. HR did a wonderful job of contacting us to distribute the packets and encouraging us all to give generously to the community in whatever way we felt so inclined. We could watch the UW movie at a number of showings - many here in the library in the Fireside Reading Room, complete with refreshments and drawings for door prizes. I think there was a good turnout. They announce the goal they have in mind for our corporate giving level, and are very inviting about filling out the forms.


Nonetheless, I have procrastinated. Today I am trying to clear my desk of all these little details I have ignored. I guess my slowness relates to my overall giving scheme. This has not been on my radar screen for charitable giving since last time I worked in Rochester at the University of Rochester Eastman School of Music.


I give to churches, food banks, overseas projects, pregnancy clinics, cancer clinics (especially those for children), orphanage agencies and a host of individual needs that come across my path. Besides my church and a missions team and a couple other things not to mention my own children. So adding one more somehow seemed too much.

But I want to fully participate in this community's endeavors, and last night at Chapel, President Martin mentioned how wonderful it was that United Way makes it possible to donate to specific organizations - to designate your giving. Perhaps it was the idea that there would be a way to continue giving to something I already support, and just do it through the United Way that freed me to at last get to this task. Perhaps it was his excitement about being involved with good community projects. But here I sit perusing the designation form.


I count well over 600 worthy charitable organizations on the list. Wow! I would never have realized there were so many. I wonder if they just list all the non-profits organizations of the area? No, I don't see Open Door Mission, a place that assists the homeless. I wonder if I can get PrayerSong and JairusHouse on the list? That's an exciting idea. I see on the list a number of places I would happily support. Now I just have to figure out how to divvy up too small funds.


Maybe that's the issue with everyone. Too many good causes, too little money. It forces you to decide slowly and cautiously how you will help others. Wouldn't it be great if, everytime someone asked for your help, you could give it? Wouldn't it be great if everyone was able to do that? Well, daydreaming doesn't get the form filled out and on its way. I better get cracking.