Charity Issues

Oh Sweetie - Please don't ever feel like your problems and worries aren't as important as anyone elses. We all have things to cherish and things to endure. I don't think we can really compare our suffering but as you stated, I too, try to remember in the midst of my hard stuff, I know things could be worse. That in no way makes what anyone else is feeling less important. And I would never wish the health problems I face on someone so that they could understand that. Your problems and feelings are just as real and just as hard as mine.

The beauty of places like this is we share our stories and we can support each other. Whether that is in a financial way or a spiritual way or even friendship - every little bit helps. I think things happen for a reason and in the mdst of my sometimes chaotic life, I try to look for opportunities. That chance to learn from what has/is happening and I think we are maybe stronger in our faith (in both God and ourselves) because of what we're living.

I so appreciate your prayers! I will keep you and your family in mine as well. I know there are so many good people, who care and will help us and we just have to stay strong. Like you, I am glad to have a roof over my head dear StillBlessed! My Mom allows me space in her home and makes sure I have nourishment. I don't know what I would do without her. I do know she is worth far more than any amount of money or even the best of my health! Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. And do not feel bad for reaching out. We all need help and I pray every morning that today will be the day that someone with the power to help us, will find their way to this site.

Try to take an easy day today and enjoy the loved ones around you. Hugs, Diane

I woke up this morning feeling a little sorry for myself. I logged on today hoping that today would be the day i found some answer to my money problem. yet though reading your letter i found something else  and that is a reason to be greatful. You have made me feel ashamed that i am grumbling about something so small; like that fact that my phone is off, my mortage is behind,and the fact that we have little food  in the house . But  still I know that   God is still good. We are from New Orleans and it's been hard after Katrina  we lost our mother, our uncle and several friends  but daily I try to remind myself that we are we have been blessed and at least we  have a  roof over our heads  and a portion of health and strength.  I guess I had forgotten how blessed we were, and I have you to thank for that I will be praying for you that God will bless you with full recovery from your illness.

Please keep faith that everthing will get better. I wish i had somthing to send to yousince you have given me so much today.

God Bless you. Carolyn in Mississippi

It's kind of sad that there are so many in need and there don't seem to be many resources of help. I haven't tried myself to write to wealthy people because as the other person said, I know they typically give to non-profit organizations for the tax break. I used to work for a very large global company which has an alumni association for people who've left the company and they even have a members helping members section on their website. I felt bad asking them for help but I needed it. I had to provide them with access from my doctor to confirm I'd had cancer, etc. and the doctor's office ended up faxing them too much information (which included my social security number as an example when I say too much information). It was nice of them to agree to try to help but the process I had to go through to get them what they needed was very emotional for me. It took about three weeks and I was in tears at the end because I was asked to make myself a non-profit so they could get tax breaks and then would be willing to help me. I don't want to sound anything less than grateful and they raised $300 which helped me with one of my bills. I have learned to just acknowledge that I am too sick to work and take care of myself. That was hard after working my whole life and taking care of myself and others. To acknowledge my physical limitations and disability has been the hardest thing I have to do. Then I had to ask people to help me and I have to trust that some where I'll find the help or figure out what to do. I haven't been able to make the decision yet to file bankruptcy and I'm not sure how I would pay for that either because I hold on to the memory that I survived cancer and I overcame physical paralysis so I am keep trying to find help. I think maybe when some of these burdens are lifted, life will become easier and I will find that 'quality' where I know I won't have 'quantity' and I've made peace with that. I can't spend a lot of time on my computer because of the pain and swelling but I am slowly building a list of resources that might help people and will be posting those on a blog on myspace. Maybe I can post that here too when I have it together.

 Sometimes I guess if we can't get help financially, then a few kind words or the offer of friendship are the next best things. Some times we just need someone to remind us to keep living and keep asking. Good luck, I hope you do better than me and you can find someone who shares their prosperity. I used to do that when I was able to work and I even helped pay someone's rent and did what I could for others. Have a nice week.

Most wealthy people give to organizations because organizations are registered with the IRS as a non-profit 501 b or 501 c, etc.  They get a tax write-off from them.  The company provides them with a contribution statement for such purposes. 

I know that people can give to another person and it will count as INCOME to the person that it is given to and SUPPOSEDLY can count as a tax deduction, but this is rarely the case.  That registration (non-profit) is usually needed. 

However, you can try people like Oprah, Bill Gates, etc.  On TV, it shows them doing stuff.  I don't know if it works or not.

Best wishes