Another Reason for the Season
As we enter the holiday season, it's heartening to see the caring spirit of a special group of high school kids setting the tone for what the season should really be all about. In their effort to raise money not only for the school but to also support local charitable needs, students at Carolina Forest High School have embarked on a unique aquaculture project that goes well beyond the more traditional car washes, candy sales and magazine subscription drives.
Kudos to these kids for setting a great example for all of us. It's also a timely reminder that, especially in this season of giving, caring and sharing, there really is no limit to the kinds of things we can do to help others in need. Along with supporting the Carolina Forest High School effort, some very worthy causes include the local chapters of the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, each of which provides a wide array of vital human services. Besides options for making a direct financial contribution, you might also consider doing some of your holiday shopping at one of The Salvation Army's many thrift store locations; either way, the proceeds go toward the cause.
If you're partial to children's charities, consider sponsoring all or part of a holiday wish for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina is entering one of its busiest wish-granting periods, and a contribution will help a sick child go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, meet a celebrity, receive a special gift or fulfill a unique role, at a time they and their families truly need it most.
In the golf mecca that is Myrtle Beach, you can also help kids in a very profound way by supporting The First Tee of Myrtle Beach, the local chapter of one of the nation's leading youth development programs. The First Tee conducts its programming at Cane Patch Par 3 and Driving Range, using golf as a means of providing life skills education centered around the game's core values.
These are just a handful of countless possibilities for organizations that can benefit from your donation of money, or time as a volunteer. But whatever charitable cause you decide to support, you want to be sure that the benefiting organization makes efficient use of your contribution. Two organizations have online resources that can easily guide you through your decisions:
- The Council of Better Business Bureaus' Wise Giving Alliance, which helps donors make informed decisions through a wide variety of resources; and
- GuideStar.org, which rates thousands of non-profit organizations based on the scope and reach of their services, the percentage of donated funds that directly support the charitable cause, and more.
What a cool thing for these kids to do. I wish more schools would be as creative.
Its heart warming to see positive articles about today’s youth.