I Haven’t Eaten Much Lately
Donate before year-end: Just $10 will buy 40 meals thanks to a Mosaic match.
When I helped serve a free meal recently at House of Charity in downtown Minneapolis, a man came back to the serving line and politely asked for seconds. He quietly added — just to explain, not to complain or solicit pity: “I haven’t eaten much lately.”
Lucky for me, I have never had to utter those words. And truth be told, during the holiday season I’ve uttered – or muttered – way too often: “I ate too much today.”
How ’bout you?
Countdown for Year-End Gifts
According to Network for Good, 10 percent of annual giving occurs on the last three days of the year. If you’re now sifting through end-of-year appeals, why not also consider a gift to a local organization fighting hunger or homelessness? Here are just a few in the Twin Cities:
- House of Charity: This is the only downtown Minneapolis organization that serves free, hot meals — no questions asked — 365 days a year. Your gift right now is eligible for a match by Mosaic, so your contribution of just $10 will buy 40 meals.
- Simpson Housing Services: Did you see the recent news coverage about the Homeless Memorial March and Service? Through this event and other activities, Simpson is an organization at the forefront of solving our local housing crisis.
- Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless: If you’d rather have others determine the best use of your donation, this federated charity pools contributions and makes quick-turn-around grants to housing agencies and food shelves all across the state.
Save Money, Then Give More
I’m sure you have your own favorite charities in these final days of the calendar year. But as you calculate your 2014 tax savings, consider what portion of that amount you could pass along to a worthy organization that meets food or housing needs in our community.
After all, someone who hasn’t eaten much lately might just need our dollars more than we do.
wendy wehr 