How many of you involve in charity works?

I do not know the meaning of life but I do know there are street children who sleep on the pavement, underneath the bushes and hedges and I know for a fact that they survive by begging for scraps. Why are they there? Why are they like that? I didn't know and I didn't care for the answer which could be abusive parents, extreme poverty; I just don't know. But, I did have a personal plan where I would banish hunger for one time in a week and this involves cooking up a delicious meal once every week and giving to those who were hungry. I required nothing, just their presence and their bellies. I gave no lectures, no songs, no spiritual thoughts or prayers, no deep philosophies, nothing but food. On Christmas day I prepared a special meal complete with coca-cola. I don't think I made a dent on their armor of neediness. I have no illusions. What I saw during those times were happy faces. Ah, I said to myself, "I will call this project: Manufacturing Happiness".

I volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army. They actually pay you...but that's mostly to cover gas and food bills, since many people who volunteer aren't much better off themselves. It was actually the only reason we'd had a christmas this year. I bought the family our christmas dinner, and I had some money left over for some presents for my family as well...'cause otherwise christmas would not have happened at all for us. I won a "certificate of appreciation" 'cause I was one of the ones who raised...what, nearly a thousand dollars for the poor. I've done other work for the salvation army as well, if more charities were in my area -- I'd probably have volunteered for them too. I just don't like toit by and do nothing, I know what being desperate means so I have to do -something-. Meanwhile I try to write to help people these days who're now having a hard time because of the economy. Mostly articles on frugal living and survival tips for this day and age.

Last year was the first year The Walk For Autism cam to my area. I gathered my family together and we earned about $400 for the cause and the walk was nice. I am doing it again this year but it seems to be that no one has money to donate anymore so not sure its gonna go so well this year but i will try.