It's Not Too Late!

2008 is quickly drawing to a close and it's not too late to get in those year-end charitable gifts! I have blogged about this before, but it is becoming more and more apparent that these are tough times for non-profit organizations and I just feel the need to promote year-end giving and supporting your community.

My organization, for example, is currently sitting at less than 50% of its year-end campaign goal. This is very sad news indeed. Year-end dollars are unrestricted funds that we are able to use for general operating monies throughout the year, and are incredibly important in keeping our doors open and programs running. Non-profits need year-end and other general operating donations in order to continue serving the community. There will be no bail-outs for the non-profit sector.

The bottom line is that we all have something to give, and there are plenty to give to. There are educational organizations like Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, who give under-served children the opportunity to experience the arts and learn and grow. There are animal shelters who are aiding sick animals and placing unwanted ones in new homes. There are hungry children, people who have been abused, children without toys this Christmas. There are parks and safehavens being destroyed by pollution. People are dying of cancer and diabetes and malaria and AIDS. There is so much heartache in our world.

Won't you give back? What can you do to help? Can you give $25, $50, or $100? Please, make a difference in your community. It's the best Christmas gift you can give.