Give with Your Time, Not Just Your Dime

Time is an instant or a single occasion for some event. We all have time, but it never seems like enough. We tell ourselves, "I have to make time," as if we can somehow create a few hours here and there to add to our 24-hour day. We also tell ourselves that "time is money" and time is valuable. Time is a resource under our control that is most priceless when given to others.

In the difficult economic period we are living through, we all feel the pinch. Charitable organizations and associations are especially impacted by lagging monetary donations as typical donors are unable to contribute at the same dollar volume that they previously could. Non-profits depend on these donations to create and keep resources available for the people or causes which they serve. Fortunately, there is another kind of donation that you can give your favorite charities and causes this season and throughout the year, and that is your TIME.

Daily, we feed and nourish our minds with knowledge of current events and business topics in order to stay on our game. We feed and nourish our bodies with food and physical exercise. We can also feed our souls by giving of ourselves, giving that precious donation of time by volunteering.

In donating your time, the results are immediate, measurable and the impact of it will linger long after you leave. The hours you spend serving at a soup kitchen or helping construct a home with Habitat for Humanity or reading to a sick child are not soon forgotten by those who you have helped.

During the holiday season there is an urgency to assist organizations like The Emergency Fund, Greater Chicagoland Food Depository, etc... Donations and hands assistance drops dramatically in January and February, making difficult if not impossible to achieve levels of service that can impact families' lives. Something to think about in this new year.

These two fine organizations work at providing the basic needs for families in crisis: food and shelter. They rely on volunteers like you and me and donations. The Chicago Association of REALTORS has made a generous donation to both on behalf of its members. The good thing is the donation will be used at the most critical time, right after the holiday season. As we extend a helping hand to those who just need a lift for that one month, assistance to keep the heat on or a meal to fight off hunger... This is not about THOSE, people it is about ourselves and how we care for each other.

As you think about this important resource, time, seek to use it wisely and with painstaking excellence for the things, causes and people you feel passionate about. The reward from this investment of time will also leave a long lasting impact on yourself and your soul. As David Thomas said, "Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of our souls."

Find out more about the work they do and see how you can get involved.

 

Comments

[Edith Karoline Jasser ABR]

I so agree with your New Years comment concerning "Giving"....
I think we all can squeeze some time from doing something else to volunteer or give of our time, if we cannot give money let's give of our time!
And if assisting an organization is too much commitment think about doing it this way: Look around in your neighborhood and help there directly: Shovel someone's walkway, call and ask if you can bring something from the supermarket since you are going anyway, ask if you can give someone a ride to the bus, to the doctor etc. or just bake a cake and share half with someone near you.
It's easy and it makes the world a better place!!!!!

Happy New Year to all, and a special one to all who volunteer -
Every little bit counts!

[Mabel Guzman]

Edith, thanks for your thoughtful comments and suggestions. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you do something. The simple act of thinking about someone else, is all that matters.

[M.G. Wageman]

I agree, time is a great gift to any charitable organization. Unfortunately, people only think of these organizations when they think of their taxes. We need to rethink our relationship with service organizations in terms of real and meaningful contributions that continue after the money is spent.

[Mabel Guzman, 2009 C.A.R. Treasurer]

I like what you say about having a relationship with an organization. Having ties and being vested and invested in it's goals. Understanding is mission/value statement and seeing if it fits with yours. It's importatnt to feel connected. It leads our passions in the right direction.