Give a Little Bit...

By now, you’ve probably heard that 1 million people texted 90999 to Haiti. Each text message they initiated sent a $10 donation to the American Red Cross to financially help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Port Au Prince.

And what has been the result of one million individuals giving just a little bit –-just $10--to date? $10 million and climbing.

Though most people are deeply touched in a crisis and want to help others, they don’t give because they…

1. don’t trust that the money will get to the center of the need.
2. think that their little bit of giving won’t even make a dent in the crisis.
3. don’t know anyone directly impacted by or involved in helping in a crisis.
4. procrastinate until the crisis is over and until the need is no long pressing.

If you don’t trust that your gift will get to the center of the need, then do personal research. Google your options or visit websites that take donations with whom you are more familiar. Or, as in my case, give to friend who works in Haiti, like Danita Estrella who founded Danita’s Children over ten years ago and runs an orphanage in Haiti. Take the time and make the effort to connect with an organization in whom you trust. Then give.

If you don’t think that a little gift can have a big result, this recent (and relatively new fundraising technique) of texting a $10 gift in a very convenient, quick way is a powerful example of how one person’s small gift can combine with a million other people to make a massive difference.

If you don’t know of anyone who is helping out the Haitians during this crisis, just call your local church. They are most likely sending financial help or even sending a team of people. Maybe you should join them? Surely they need your support.

Finally, if you’ve procrastinated giving a small or larger gift, just do it. In fact, do it right now. Visit a website, make a call, send the text, or write a check and mail it today.

Giving just a little bit will have a big result in the lives of one family, one orphaned child, or one orphanage.

Be encouraged,

Becky