topic Re: Americans' Generosity in Community Chat

Americans' Generosity

Patriot3 — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:59:45 GMT

It is so amazing and heart warming to see the outpouring of generosity of the American people!! The donations of everything physical and material to the people of Texas is overwhelming. I know there are many who cannot do this, but donate with prayer!! Yes, that is a donation! God Bless each and every person who has donated something!!

Re: Americans' Generosity

Oznell — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:18:08 GMT

You're right, patriot. It is inspiring and humbling. Unity, purpose, industry, service, resourcefulness, care for others. May it keep going!

Re: Americans' Generosity

AngusandBuddhasMom — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:19:52 GMT

Its who we are as humans. We should want to help those in need. It should not be by geography but I agree it is a good thing.

Re: Americans' Generosity

Stardust2 — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:27:43 GMT

I would love to see this charity going on in our country all the time. We have families on the street. Why do we have to wait until a flood or fire comes? Where are the church's? They should step up to the plate, especially the TV Ministries such as Joel Osteen who brings in 11 million a week! He is just an example. Every church should help the poor.

Re: Americans' Generosity

Oznell — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:33:57 GMT

Faith groups are part of the great mosaic of help and charity at times like this. We hear about the big ones like the Salvation Army and Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse who do such yeoman work, but there are countless small and local congregations who spring into action...

Re: Americans' Generosity

Stardust2 — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:38:41 GMT

I meant it's heartbreaking to see homeless families and others on the street all the time. Why wait for a tragedy? No, they are not all drug addicts.

God bless America!

Re: Americans' Generosity

QVCkitty1 — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:41:49 GMT

I know that many criticize celebrities for publicizing their donations. I look at it this way, if it inspires others to give it is fine with me.

Re: Americans' Generosity

Winkk — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:42:29 GMT

@Stardust2 wrote:
I meant it's heartbreaking to see homeless families and others on the street all the time. Why wait for a tragedy? No, they are not all drug addicts.
God bless America!

@Stardust2 - Unfortunately that is the only time people think about it. We should be aware of these homeless people all the time but unless the media does a story about them, we just keep going about our lives and give it no thought.

Re: Americans' Generosity

MyShadowLove — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:54:33 GMT

@Oznell wrote:

You're right, patriot. It is inspiring and humbling. Unity, purpose, industry, service, resourcefulness, care for others. May it keep going!

@Patriot3 @Oznell...

This is what our great Country is all about and it exists all of the time.....It is only during horrific disasters that the media covers the goodness and unity and, once it all subsides, the media and others will continue on with their negative and ugly efforts to divide us and our great Country!

What we are witnessing is our true America!

Re: Americans' Generosity

vermint — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:57:42 GMT

@Stardust2 I agree...churches should step up. My church runs a benevolence program to provide food to those in need, we also have some clothing and can sometimes help with funds. But, the program is used so much that we have a hard time keeping our shelves stocked! This is in spite of my Sunday School class members donating specific items each month, as well as whole church Fifth Sunday Food Drives that bring in an incredible amount of food. The program recently had to ask that people donate "just" food (we also had cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items) because our supplies are running so low.

It's just heartbreaking that so many are in need of this kind of help.

Re: Americans' Generosity

ms traditional — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:10:31 GMT

those who are in a faith community are involved in food banks, vet help, homeless outreach, soldier care packages, back to school backpacks, just to name a few. apparently others aren't aware of this. this is ongoing - day in and day out, especially food banks. too bad the spotlight isn't on how much is done as a matter of course in this country. i see from postings here the potential for new volunteers to increase the grass roots force for these programs. clearly some people are not aware or are not yet involved. there are plenty of general groups not related to any faith.

Re: Americans' Generosity

dex — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:07:52 GMT

@MyShadowLove I agree that this country has great and wonderful people spreading kindness and generosity all of the time but we just don't hear about it.I feel that no matter what there is someone out there willing to help and that is comforting.

Re: Americans' Generosity

Oznell — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:09:38 GMT

Thanks for shining a light on that, ms traditional. Our small congregation has an ongoing food bank, rummage rooms, backpack and school supplies for economically disadvantaged children, outreach to nursing homes, yearly house repair and maintenance for the elderly and infirm, diapers and baby supplies for needy families, Meals on Wheels, and other things. Most congregations don't like to "make a big deal" of their works, except to get the word out to those who desperately need the services.

Anyone who wants to participate in the volunteer work of churches, synagogues and other place of worship is usually welcomed with open arms!

Re: Americans' Generosity

PenneyT — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:46:10 GMT

Here in Central Texas, there are many groups filling trucks with supplies for those in need. (I like to donate goods instead of money.)

One suggestion: try to check the Facebook page or home page of the church, business, or group to see what they need the most. Some are concentrating on clean-up supplies, some on hygiene, some on pet supplies, etc. Many will take bottled water, that's a good all-around item, as are garbage bags for sorting and cleaning.

Re: Americans' Generosity

Katcat1 — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:58:08 GMT

Every little bit helps. Say you donate $20 -- if 5 people donate $20 that is $100 so it adds up. So donate what you can afford. I cannot imagine being uprooted from your home that is now flooded and taking all your belongings. The flooding is over whelming -- it's everywhere! Amercians always come together in a tradegy. I had seen it first hand during the 7.1 earthquake in San Francisco years ago. It's like a light goes on and people start helping other people.

Re: Americans' Generosity

PenneyT — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 19:06:06 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
Every little bit helps. Say you donate $20 -- if 5 people donate $20 that is $100 so it adds up. So donate what you can afford. I cannot imagine being uprooted from your home that is now flooded and taking all your belongings. The flooding is over whelming -- it's everywhere! Amercians always come together in a tradegy. I had seen it first hand during the 7.1 earthquake in San Francisco years ago. It's like a light goes on and people start helping other people.

Totally agree! For $1, one can buy a full sized tube of toothpaste at Wallyworld. If those who are able took a dollar and bought a comb, or pack of toilet paper, or a can of dog food, or a bottle of shampoo, trucks would be filled quickly!

Re: Americans' Generosity

brandiwine — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 22:19:02 GMT

It has been fantastic. I love those who have donated and put others first.

Re: Americans' Generosity

SilleeMee — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 22:36:10 GMT

I think the modern day electronic devices coupled with the news coverage and social media on the devices has really helped step up the game. Many things today that didn't exist back when Katrina hit.

Re: Americans' Generosity

jubilant — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 10:51:47 GMT

I get a little concerned when people hear how much money the government is budgeting to aid Texas. I hope people won't hear this and quit giving. It will take that and more.

While this is all so tragic, to see people giving whatever they can and whatever they have to give, is uplifting to us all and should tell us something.

Re: Americans' Generosity

PinkSunset — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 11:36:42 GMT

@Winkk wrote:
@Stardust2 wrote:
I meant it's heartbreaking to see homeless families and others on the street all the time. Why wait for a tragedy? No, they are not all drug addicts.
God bless America!
@Stardust2 wrote:
I meant it's heartbreaking to see homeless families and others on the street all the time. Why wait for a tragedy? No, they are not all drug addicts.
God bless America!
@Stardust2 wrote:
I meant it's heartbreaking to see homeless families and others on the street all the time. Why wait for a tragedy? No, they are not all drug addicts.
God bless America!
@Stardust2 - Unfortunately that is the only time people think about it. We should be aware of these homeless people all the time but unless the media does a story about them, we just keep going about our lives and give it no thought.

I don't think that it's that cut and dried. I think that if one were to start donating all the time for homeless people, animals, charities, etc, there would be no end. We all know there are many unfortunate situations that could use our help and many people do give monthly to places like HSUS, St Judes. Best Friends, people donate to causes they believe in.

But when a tragedy happens, it reminds everyone else how lucky they are and they donate to those who need it most. Many people in this country are "going about their lives" from paycheck to paycheck as it is so they cannot donate on a regular basis. But they have compassion for those who have lost everything and then they step up and give whatever they can.

Sometimes, to me, when I read forums like this and read about all the purchases people are making and all their easy pays, and credit card debit, it reminds me that this is not a true representation of how many Americans live. Many live on food banks, shelters, thrift stores, Goodwill stores, just for basic needs like clothing and furniture.

But that's still better than nothing when a tragedy strips you of every last thing you ever owned, and that includes your pets that got left behind or even worse, perished.