The Cost of Caring

November 16, 2009

Charities aimed at helping the less fortunate still rely on contributions in spite of the fact that jobs have dried up and pay cuts have kicked in. If you're reading this article on a computer then you own or have access to one. In the world of comfort, chances are you're better off than the impoverished people many organizations are striving to help; your $20 could change a life.

But if you're overspending can you really afford to help anyone? It's nice to know you have a roof over your head but if you're preoccupied with the next thirty days worth of bills, chances are you're not in a position to donate to anyone but yourself.

Suppose you do have the money to spare. If you've ever made a contribution to a single charity, you know about the onslaught that's on its way. When you can literally see the $20 that you donated materialize in your mailbox in the form of solicitations, you start to wonder about the cost of caring. It suddenly looks like your contribution made a detour to the local print shop instead of to a homeless shelter. As a proud recipient of pin-up calendars, return address labels, dream catchers, photographic postcards and colorful brochures, you might as well have visited the gift shop at SeaWorld. The business of advertising charities, it seems, costs a fortune.

Then again, if you can afford to support your favorite charities consider yourself fortunate. Holiday cheer means sharing and fully appreciating whatever comforts you've got. Local charities tend to operate on smaller budgets and make less of a fanfare. For those who don't mind the token gifts like calendars and photos, here's a list of national organizations that might shower you in their earnest efforts to get the word out.