I saw the rest of "Beyond Borders". I am recommending that EVERYONE see that movie. It will make you think about things and you will want to help people which is a good thing. Donating money does help. I felt like I should be attending meetings or going out in the field, but you don't have to do that. Just make sure the charity is reputable, not for profit, and that the majority of each donation actually goes towards helping the people.

There is an organization called UNHCR (website is www.unhcr.org). This is an organization that helps refugees who have been displaced from their homes because of war, natural disasters, or other situations. I am now making a monthly donation to them. I am also looking for other organizations that help starving or sick people in the world.

And you know, it's everywhere. Americans are better off in general, but we still have a lot of people here who do not have a place to live or food to eat, men, woman, and children. There is so much people can do that is so easy. Donate clothes and food to your local Care and Share, when you are finished with a book, donate it to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or other charity thrift store. Many times you can get a tax break for donating and it also makes you feel very good so everyone wins.

By the way, it's not just people who need help. Animals suffer as much as humans and they need help just as badly. I am currently making a monthly donation to my local SPCA. Also, a few years ago, (when my social anxiety disorder was not as severe) I volunteered at a no-kill animal shelter and worked in a vet's office. Seeing what those animals had to go through, and helping them, was a very difficult, but extremely rewarding experience.

Donating anything; money, goods, or time is always a rewarding experience.

And the thing is I really don't make that a lot of money, but I still have enough to donate something. If you can afford a computer and internet access you can probably afford to donate money, at least a one-time contribution if not a monthly donation.

It's easy to find charities and organizations in your area. Look up info on the net or in the phone book, or look around the next time you are out driving, walking, or on the bus. Sometimes you won't notice a place unless you are looking for it.

I'm not trying to sound preachy. It's just that if everyone who could help did help it would make the world a better place. There will probably always be sick, injured, hungry, and homeless people and animals, but at least we can do something to give them a chance at having a better life.

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