When we want to give this Giving Season

Marie Wilkinson had the biggest heart of all. She is commemorated in chalk on the Downer Place Wall in Aurora by artist Grahame Wilkin III.

I should have been cleaning my house or eating lunch or working, but I popped on Facebook. At the top of my feed, my gal pal shared the same story link that I saw posted on Mutual Ground’s public Facebook page.

Her post tugged at my heart strings. It’s one thing to read a headline, it’s another to know that it affects someone you love.

The post linked to this news story: http://nprillinois.org/post/domestic-violence-organizations-surprised-lack-state-funds

The reality that many vital agencies are struggling right now makes individual giving all the more important.

I’ve been struggling with my own conscience about giving (or not giving) to non-profits for years. I’ve always tried to give in small amounts because I didn’t have much to give. I’ve never been able to reconcile not giving at all, but I’m just not the best at it.

I think that’s an issue many of us have – we want to give, but it’s hard. I’ve tried to think of it as tithing, but that didn’t last – essential expenses always take priority. Then I donated money for my birthday (my own and some generous friends who gave). That made me feel good.

But my bleeding heart wanted to give more. I kept racking my brain. How can I do more? How can I give more? Should I give more? What’s the happy-medium giving algorithm for those who don’t have a ton of money to give?

Then I had to give myself a stern talking to. Seriously? I’m not that bad off. I can afford to give some money to the organizations that are doing so much to help others. I have a nice house. I have enough money to go thrift store shopping when I want to, and to eat out for lunch. Wait. Lunch. Then it hit me.

How about I choose not to eat out for lunch when I otherwise might, and I donate my lunch money to an organization instead? That’s it! Brilliant! Bingo! Instead of a bully stealing my lunch money, I’m going to stick it to the bully.

I’ve donated my lunch money a few times since having this epiphany of mine and it has felt great. I do it at random, and it’s fun to pick different organizations that I can champion.

I would gladly skip eating out for lunch if it means that my dear friend doesn’t have to bring toilet paper from home to the non-profit where she works.

I’m hoping this becomes a thing. That my friends can join me for a day each month where we don’t eat out and instead give to worthy and important organizations such as Mutual Ground, Hesed House, and others.

We all want to give. Some give time. Some give money. Some give skills. Some give encouragement. We give what we can, and I’m giving my lunch money.

Editor’s note: If you find the above posted story link unacceptable, then please contact your state representatives today. http://www.ilga.gov/ Contact the governor here.