Why I give

This time of year, we are asked a lot, to give. It seems as if every organization is asking for a donation and the school is collecting money for the food bank and work wants you to adopt a child. I get it, it’s a lot, it’s overwhelming. But if you ask me, I will give. I’m not saying it will always be a lot or that it will be as much as other families but I will give something.

Why?

Because I have it. Because when the neighborhood food drive comes around I have extra cans of soup and boxes of pasta. Because my family won’t go hungry if I give them away.

And when the school asks for money for the turkey drive, I will give. Because every little bit can make a difference. Because I don’t need my morning stop at Starbucks. Because it might make a difference to someone.

I will donate to Toys for Tots because my son has enough toys. And maybe it’s a small toy but it will mean something under someones tree instead of nothing.

So I give because I can. And it may not always be huge or over the top. And I don’t make a fuss about it. I won’t rattle off all the places I gave this year as we chat over cocktails. Because I get that it’s a private thing, how we donate to charity this time of year.

And I don’t care if people abuse the system. I don’t care if some people don’t really need it. I don’t care that someone might be taking advantage. I fail to believe that’s the majority.

And I’m not asking you to give more or to give at all. But I am asking that you take a minute, think about what you have and ask yourself, “Do we need more?” And if the answer is no, then pick up an extra can of soup and drop it in the donation bin on your way out of the store.