It’s Really Healthy to Give
By Shawn Dell Joyce
We have all heard the old saying that it is better to give than to receive, but recently, a new study proved scientifically that the real key to happiness is generous giving. In times of economic stress, it is even more important because giving actually builds your wealth, and the wealth of the local community.
People who give charitably are 43 percent more likely to say they are “very happy” than non-givers, while non-givers are three and a half times more likely to report they are “not happy at all,” notes Arthur Brooks in his new book, “Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth about Compassionate Conservatism.”
In a surprising turn, Brooks proves that giving also increases personal and well as national prosperity. Brooks quotes a survey that controlled for education, age, race and all the other outside explanations for giving and income increases. The survey proved that a dollar donated to charity was associated with $4.35 in extra income for the giver. $3.75 of that was due to the dollar given to charity, and the multiplier effect it has in the local economy.
But we really don’t need a study to show us how giving benefits our local community. Many of us lot our jobs and/or homes this year. In fact, one out of eight of our neighbors needs unemployment benefits, and one in four children relies on food stamps. If you are having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit because of reasons like these, it is especially important to give.
There are angels among us who do this every day, without fail, and regardless of the economy. I won’t embarrass them by using their full names, and it really isn’t important “who” so much as “how.”
Take grocery clerk Karena who volunteers at the Montgomery Food Pantry and organizes food drives in her place of employment. She strengthens a safety net for 181 local families, and stands between them and hunger. Not a wealthy person herself, she manages to make a huge difference in people’s lives by giving her time and energy.
Edie is a local farmer who is always there when 4H or other children’s organizations need help. Her service to the community has furthered many of our youth’s understanding of our agricultural heritage.
Marion is an octogenarian who (almost single-handedly) has preserved much of Montgomery’s history. Without her vast volunteer hours; stories and treasures of our recent past would be lost to future generations.
Bob is a volunteer fireman who also volunteers his time and energy to at least three other nonprofit community organizations. Volunteer firemen have to be ready on a moment’s notice to place their life on the line to serve our community.
Finally there’s Lily, a senior who volunteers much of her time and resources to local nonprofits. I happen to run one that benefits from her generosity. She also doesn’t have a vast fortune, but still manages to give of herself through hundreds of random acts of kindness in a single day.
Start by listing at least 25 things you are grateful for, from the food in your belly to the clothes on your back. Then follow in these folk’s footsteps and find your way to make Orange County a better place.
Tags: Shawn Dell
