Personal Giving

Most people think of charity as some sort of abstract establishment that we can donate to during Christmas and feel better about ourselves. But reaching the poor among us (monetarily or otherwise) is not just about giving money to an organization or government. Yes, that is a viable option for people who don't want to get their hands dirty, and there certainly would not be as much help for the poor without organizations to manage the funds; however, the experience of helping someone personally changes both the giver and recipient. (And no, giving pocket change to a street person does not count for the purpose of face-to-face charity.)

Personal experience with the situation of the poor--such as serving at a soup kitchen--makes their predicament real, and it helps us realize that this group of people we categorize as "the poor" is diverse. It also helps make it clear that they are real people, not just poignant pictures on the tv screen. Without a change in mindset about what these people need, and who they are, no government funding will work as a possible solution. And without real people to actually go out and do something with it, money is useless.