Giving Back
You and I truly are fortunate. We can contemplate traveling to some far-off land. But many people across the globe lack the necessities. Many have inadequate housing, and lack access to clean water and health care. Many don’t even know where their next meal is coming from.
Fortunately, there are many ways that you can help. Below are a number of organizations which provide various kinds of assistance around the world. Please consider contacting one of these organizations – or another assistance organization. Help someone in need and you may find that the person who benefits the most… is you.
Sponsorship Organizations
These organizations provide assistance around the world to disadvantaged children and their families. For less than $1 a day, you can give one special child a brighter future through improved nutrition, health care, and education. Each of these agencies provides you with periodic updates, and encourages the exchange of cards and letters between you and your sponsored child. You can typically arrange visits to meet your child and to see first-hand the work being done in your child’s community.
There simply is no better feeling than knowing that you’ve made a difference in a child’s life. I know. I’ve been a sponsor for over 20 years.
Plan International (Foster Parent’s Plan) – Visit www.planusa.org for details.
Save the Children – Visit www.savethechildren.org for details.
Christian Children’s Fund – Visit www.christianchildrensfund.org for details.
Emergency Assistance Organizations
Below are a few organizations which provide assistance in emergency situations.
American Red Cross – Visit www.redcross.org for current needs and how you can help.
Feed the Children – Provides food to children and families in U.S. as well as abroad. Visit www.feedthechildren.org for details.
Doctors without Borders – Provides emergency health care around the world. Visit www.doctorswithoutborders.org for details.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteering is a great way not only to help those in need, but also to grow as a person – and to grow closer to those you are helping. Many volunteer programs, of varying durations, are available. In most cases, you will be expected to be pay for your own expenses. There may also be a small fee to cover administrative costs, insurance, etc.
If you would like to volunteer, many of the organizations listed above on this page have volunteer programs. You may also want to check out these organizations:
Adventure Center at http://www.adventurecenter.com/volunteer.htm
i-to-i at http://www.i-to-i.com/
Global Crossroad at www.globalcrossroad.com
Habitat for Humanity at www.habitat.org
Summer Study Abroad Programs
Study abroad in Europe, South America, Australia and the UK with GSE.
HOW you give back is your choice. But please give back.
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Read about John's travels in Vicarious Adventures