How to pay it forward?

[VisualBrian]

I stated earlier in some posts that I find myself wanting to make a difference in my later years. It's not about me or what I could be remembered for, but what I can do for those who did not have the same opportunities I had. My father worked three jobs when I was growing up, and all of us male children (5) worked with him at some point as we grew up. We didn't have toys and bikes like the other kids, but we always had clothes and food.

When I was in the Army, although I had children of my own and didn't make much money, I used to donate to the Christian Childrens Fund to help children in foreign countries. I was inspired and delighted to receive letters from families that appreciated and profited from my small monthly donations.

I am now in a much better position to help others, seeing as my children are so much smarter and well off than I am. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

I see that the Christian Childrens Fund has joined forces with others and become ChildFund International which boasts a 75% or better funding for children. (75 cents of each dollar actually goes to the children) It's less than it was as Christian Childrens Fund, but as a larger organization and considering inflation, I can understand the increased cost of running a business.

Do you know of any better organizations to donate to, and if so, why?

 

[Aunt Mavis]

I give bums beer sometimes.

 

[officerripley]

I've heard that St. Jude's Children's Hospital is supposed to be a good one to donate to.

 

[oldaunt]

I grew up the same way, but with a single parent. When I finally got life leveled out about 25 years ago, I started a horse rescue in an area where people thought nothing of abusing them. Did my bits in the papers and on TV, lot of time fighting law enforcement and working for better laws. I feel I made a difference in the 15 years before I had to pass it on to other warriors. Best advice I can give is do good in what you know best.

 

[Reenie]

I've heard that St. Jude's Children's Hospital is supposed to be a good one to donate to.

I have donated to them a few times. And also Tunnels to Towers for our vets, police and fire.

 

[VisualBrian]

I give bums beer sometimes.

You dog! Where are you and how can I get some of that beer!

 

[OneEyedDiva]

VisualBrian, I'm very impressed with your charitable attitude, especially since you didn't have it easy growing up. I've donated to St. Jude's for over a decade, first as a Partner In Hope. When it came time for me to take my RMDs I decided to donate each of those to St. Jude. Since they are categorized as a qualified charitable deduction, I don't get taxed on those donations.

About a year ago, I decided to leave part of what's left of my traditional IRA to St. Jude. I did not inform them of that intention. Coincidentally, I got a mailing Friday from them notifying me that anyone who chooses to leave St. Jude something via their will or estate plans will have their name added to St. Jude's Legacy Wall. It came with a form to fill out to reserve my legacy inscription. I'm not donating to them for the glory but because I feel it is a very worthy cause.

I also make my Zakat (obligatory Islamic charity donation) payments monthly so I don't have to pay so much at the end of the year. Even though it is an Islamic charity organization, Zakat Foundation of America also gives aid to disaster victims around the globe, regardless of religious affiliations.

 

[VisualBrian]

Thank you all for the responses. I'm looking into St. Jude's.