When was the last time we volunteered?

It’s disturbing news when we find the money we thought was going to some charity was actually being spent on administrative costs and only 10 to 15 percent reached the intended receiver.

We are a generous people, but we have yet to understand the true meaning of generosity. We have learned to give of our wealth but not learned to give of ourselves.

We are led to believe that money can buy anything. We are the richest people in the world and have been for decades, and we have used that wealth for many things, much of it unwisely.

Much of the food sent to foreign lands fails to reach the poor. Only when we support the gifts with a compliment of interested people does the food actually reach the starving.

We need not repeat the horror stories of failed gift giving in this country. Executives receiving exorbitant salaries on the back of nonprofit charity organizations, etc. 
What is the problem with our giving?

The problem is giving without getting involved.

Years ago we read something in a piece written by someone else which has stuck in our mind. The writer has long been forgotten but the message has remained.

In order for a gift to have real value, the giver must give as much in time and forethought as the value of the actual gift.

That is where the volunteer comes in. Not only do we need to continue giving of our wealth but we must volunteer our time and energies to seeing that gift has the desired effect. 

There are so many worthwhile causes which need our time and wealth right here at home. Libraries, schools, hospitals, churches and lately our museum, multicultural arts center, the zoo, to name a few. 

On a national and international scene, there are a lot of worthwhile charities too, but making sure they are truly worthwhile takes time and energy. Not all of us are willing to put in the time and energy.

That is why we urge people to get involved on a local level. When was the last time we volunteered?