Over the past few years, my husband and I have dramatically changed the way we make charitable contributions. We used to give money to a variety of organizations but, having been burned one too many times (yes, Susan G. Komen, I’m talking about you), we now try to give directly to people in need.
This has been so much more effective and has made us feel better than donating to charity ever did – especially after seeing how little money really went to the causes we were trying to support.
We’ve given money when friends have posted on Facebook asking for help for their friends, and it’s been so rewarding to know we’ve actually made a difference in people’s lives. We helped someone who had lost his job and needed an operation, a couple with huge bills to pay after their child’s kidney transplant, and a single mom who lost her house in a fire.
In this age of crowdfunding, the idea of people helping each other, person to person, has become a much-welcome – and much-needed – way of life that I hope will spread to every area.
One of the best examples of this is GiveForward, the only online platform that offers a way to raise money strictly for medical bills. The company has already raised a staggering $100 million, and just going through the current campaigns will have you opening your heart and wallet to keep that number rising. Here’s how it works:
GiveForward’s mantra is “Create Unexpected Joy,” and they do that – and encourage that – in so many ways. They understand that when people are suffering, anything you can do to show them they’re not alone is valuable.
I know how much I’ve appreciated gestures of kindness when I’ve been sick in bed for days. Just a text message from a friend or a bouquet of flowers at the door is enough to bring me to tears of gratitude. I can only imagine how grateful someone must feel after receiving such an outpouring of love, never mind the funds necessary to cover medical expenses they otherwise could not afford.
I’m thankful that no one I know needs GiveForward’s services but that they’re there for those who do. I’m also thankful for the unexpected joy they bring to those who donate – including me. In fact, I think I’ll head over there for a dose of joy right now.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.
You, too, can create unexpected joy by becoming a GiveForward brand ambassador here.
Thanks for letting us know about Give Forward. I love supporting Kickstarter campaigns, and this is a perfect complement. Also, agree 100% that giving results in joy.
Medical care is so screwy in the US that people often do need help. This is good to know.
I wasn’t laid up per se, but after I had my second baby, the moms club I was in arranged to bring me dinners for the first week I was home and it was one of the nicest things ever.
I definitely prefer giving directly to a charity whenever I am able. GiveForward sounds like a great cause where people can help people.
This is such a positive initiative and is changing the face of charitable giving. It means so much for the donor to know his/her gift has made a difference and is appreciated — both of which can happen when you donate through an organization like GiveForward.
This is so good to know! I like the idea, and will go check it out right now!
Thanks for letting me know about this, Lois. Another great review that I am going to share with others. Marvelous.
This is a great service and so needed! I love helping when people truly need it!
We, too, have hardened to donating to big corporations. We’ve opted to support individually and LOVE it. Also, around the holiday, we give generously to the local pet shelters. Not just in money, but in pounds and pounds of food, blankets, dog/cat beds and grooming needs. This way we KNOW what we provided and where it is helping. A much needed sharing, Lois!
Great of you to do that. I prefer to give local.
Thanks for letting me know about this. It’s always such a good feeling to be able to help someone else.
I’ve never heard of this before, but it’s nice to know that there’s a way to give back.
As a social good blogger, I absolutely love the concept of giving forward! And I agree that sometimes it really is a nicer feeling to give directly to someone in need.
I have not heard of this before. Thanks for introducing me.
I think the Give Forward concept is wonderful. We’ve been focusing and encouraging on time and talent as well. It isn’t always about the money. Sometimes people need physical help, too. Thanks for sharing your story.
That so nice of you guys we try to give it back by taking food and giving time wen we can and have extra time
What a fantastic way to to help someone who needs it. I”m so glad this exists!
I know a few people who could benifit from such a great program.
wow this is great, what a great way to help someone in such a total need!
GiveForward is wonderful. I love how easy they make it for getting people assistance who really need it!
What a great concept! I always to give when I can!
This sounds like an awesome way to give back.
I love hearing about this! I hadn’t heard of this organization before either, but I’m going to head over there. So many people are in need…and this is awesome! Much nicer to know exactly where the money is going and that it is helping!
Thank you for letting us all know about this great way to help.