Money is not the only thing that helps keep charities afloat, volunteer hours pay big dividends and provide the much needed support to many. If you are looking to contribute to a local charity, ask what is needed more at that time; money, volunteer hours or both?
Supporting your favorite charitable organization takes many forms. Some groups require financial assistance, other volunteer hours. Some, like Iowa Habitat for Humanity require sweat equity for their volunteers through help with painting, landscaping, or restoration of living spaces, and building homes for the community. Iowa Habitat for Humanity advocates for fair and just housing policies by providing the training and improved shelter to help families.
“No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures. Through shelter, we empower. Because you, me, we - are all humans. And every one of us deserves a fair chance,” – Iowa Habitat for Humanity.
Founded in Americus, Georgia, USA, Habitat for Humanity has helped repair over 8,00,000 affordable homes to shelter more than 4 million people worldwide. The organization currently operates in more than 70 countries around the world.
“In fiscal year 2016, over $27,000 was tithed to help 6 families with affordable housing. U.S. Habitats collectively tithed $13.8 million, which allowed Habitat national organizations to serve an additional 3,000+ families.”[1]
In the quest to serve communities, irrespective of race, caste and culture, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is driven by the core belief that no one should suffer from hunger and that everyone deserves quality food to sustain life and nourish health. Since their journey way back in 1981, the group has expanded and now distributes millions of pounds of food to over 200 agencies through 16 Northeast Iowa counties.
Today, they provide food to 5,800 people through a far-reaching pantry for those who are hungry in Iowa. Here is a fact sheet that provides an insight about their current programs through which you and I can work together to help solve hunger.
Another Cedar Valley charity we find helpful is Love Inc, a Christian organization in the Cedar Valley with a holistic approach that helps people in the community get the training they need to live a self-sufficient and sustaining lifestyle. Clients can request for help from Love Inc. and the need is referred to the most appropriate partner church or other faith-based organization that can address the need. Some of their support work includes providing bus passes, gas cards, furniture, food boxes, medical supplies, shoes and transportation. They also assist with home repair, home support, kitchen essentials, moving assistance, and more.
So do yourself a favor and get involved. Find out about your local charites and see which ones align with your belief systems and make an effort to make a change.
[1] http://www.webuildhabitat.org/about/global-impact
Posted by Tori Lockard on
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