Participate in the Tradition

• 89% of American households make a contribution to one ore more charitable organization.
• The average gift of contributing households is $1,620, or 3.1% of income.
• According to Giving USA, individual Americans gave over $179 billion to charitable and community causes in 2003.
• Approximately 109 million American adults volunteer annually — that's 56% of all adults.
• Volunteers contribute an average of 3.5 hours per week — totaling 20 billion hours with an estimated dollar value of $225 billion.
• 59% of teenagers volunteer an average of 3.5 hours per week — that's 13.3 million volunteers totaling 2.4 billion hours at a total value of $7.7 billion.

The nonprofit sector cannot take the place of government programs, nor can it single-handedly cure the ills and disparities of society. But each of us can make a difference in a small way, in our own sphere, and can find ways to help that will make our efforts worth the time and trouble we invest in them.

Some of the Best Reasons

Some of the best reasons are the ones you may not have considered - the ones that make it worth your while to go that extra step. People who have contributed money or volunteered to a charity report that they get back in satisfaction and joy more than they ever expend in inconvenience or effort - what you get back is immeasurable. You'll also receive these benefits:

• Giving helps keep taxes and other costs down.
• Giving returns to society some of the benefits society gives you.
• Giving lets those who have more, share with those who have less.
• Giving encourages more giving - you can set an example for others.
• Volunteering makes you feel needed.
• Volunteering can lead to learning new skills.
• Volunteering can help you deal with some of your personal problems.
• Volunteering helps you meet new people and breaks down barriers of misunderstanding, mistrust and fear.
• Volunteering can create new contacts which may help your business or career. 

It's What in the World You Can Do!

You might be thinking, "The little bit that I can do will never help much!" or "What in the world can I do?" If you've ever spent ten minutes reading a book to a lonely child, you know that even that small amount of compassion and attention can make a world of difference. No one person can solve the world's problems, but what little you do can make your little corner of the world-or one far away from yours a happier, healthier, safer place to live for those who need your help. Each of us can right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park - and that does make a difference for us all!

info from the Network for Good site

Please click on the above links to donate or to find out more about local, regional, and national non-profit organizations.