Service of Sharing II
August 9th, 2021
Categories: Charity, Generosity, Good Sportsmanship, Sharing, Sports, Sportsmanship, Uncategorized
Image by heathervalentin0 from Pixabay
Sharing makes me feel good to both do and observe.
When men’s Olympic high jumpers Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy and Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar agreed to share the gold medal they were elated–Tamberi jumped into Barshim’s arms and they hugged. Did you hear me cheering?
If you live alone, the closest thing to sharing at the most basic level is to give surprises.
It’s hard for some to share–the last cookie, piece of cake, slice of pizza–but Americans were generous with their treasure last year.
AP business writer Haleluya Hadero wrote “Galvanized by the racial justice protests and the coronavirus pandemic, charitable giving in the United States reached a record $471 billion in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday that offers a comprehensive look at American philanthropy.” She added that Giving USA reported: “Faced with greater needs, estates and foundations also opened up their pocketbooks at increased levels — resulting in a 5.1% spike in total giving from the $448 billion recorded for 2019, or a 3.8% jump when adjusted for inflation.”
Have you observed some splendid examples of sharing?
Thanks for Sharing!
In light of the pandemic, rebalancing was more the order of the day for me: I gave more to some, particularly the statewide food bank, and a bit less to others…it’s hard to enjoy advanced learning and/or cultural pursuits if you don’t have enough to eat.
ASK,
Like you my biggest focus has been to support food banks. Some are doing so well while others are hungry. It’s an appalling situation.
Being an animal lover I gave a bit extra to each of the many organizations I know and support. That’s just me personally. I think you should do what makes you feel good! 🦜🦜🦜🐕🐕🐕🐈🐈🐈
I give to Doctors Without Borders because I feel they render assistance to those in dire need and under the most difficult circumstances. During the Trump administration I gave small amounts frequently to various causes and politicians whose values or purposes seemed to benefit the public. I try to share what I consider helpful information especially about the pandemic whenever appropriate or possible. I also try to share books, magazines, and clothes that I do not need.
Helen,
Animals give joy to millions. There were record numbers of adoptions at the height of the pandemic.
Martha,
I wrote a post long before the pandemic about how difficult it is to give away good things. In upstate New York there were no venues. In Manhattan I’ve carried heavy bags of gently used clothing to Goodwill that used to pick up furniture, toys and clothing. Most city people don’t have cars to make such drop offs and between work schedules and the inconvenience of waiting for transportation, my bet is that much is thrown away that shouldn’t be.
There are some organizations that will pick up. I’ve heard Big Brother Big Sister is one and goodwill used to oh and Habitat for Humanity too!
Anonymous,
Just looked up Big Brothers Big Sisters–they pick up in Long Island. In a quick search I saw that Habitat for Humanity has a Westchester store. Not sure about upstate NY or NYC. Glad that there are opportunities for some rescues of useful items.
Big Brother Big Sister does pick up in Massachusetts. They even picked up at our large condo building. Beware of certain parking lot charity bins. Some are not really charities, but used to collect free items for resale for profit. There is also an organization called Buy Nothing which is a charity or thrift based recycling organization that is found in many different places. It has ecologically good intentions and I do know people who have benefited from it.
Martha,
I didn’t know that about the bins. The one I used at the transfer station [dump] in Dutchess County I’m sure was legit but I also used some in parking lots upstate. Oh my.
In the face of families facing hunger and worse, food banks are the way to go. If one’s good fortune permits more substantial gifts, anonymity rocks!