World Vision...and the USA

I often wonder when I see ads for sponsoring a child in other countries, "What about here in the US?" There are many children that are living with very little, so many that live in poverty, and too many that do not have the opportunities to even have the basics in life. I am proud to say that a sponsor a girl in Mozambique named Anastancia. But what about those less fortunate here in the USA? What can I do to help them?

I have asked if there is a local food pantry or homeless shelter that I can volunteer my time to help but there isn't one where I live. And I think this could be a good thing. But it may just be something that is being overlooked...I don't know.

Well, today when a World Vision ad popped up next to the email message I was composing, it made me wonder again. I clicked the banner ad and started searching. I looked in the Sponsor a Child section, but found only children in other countries listed. I then went to the Gift Catalog and along the left side I found what I was looking for. Under Give a Donation, there are links by category. If you click on Kids in the USA you can find ways to donate to those that do not have as much.

My kids point out during the Holiday Season (namely Christmas) that the bell ringers for the Salvation Army are not doing all that they can. The sign above the pot for change says, "Need Knows No Season," yet they are only out there visibly asking for others to help then. Granted, I am sure there are other ways that the Salvation Army is active in helping those in need during other times of the year. I do not mean that they are only helping at Christmas time. It just seems that that is the only time that we see them. There is a need all year long.

I clicked through a few of the donation options and I just loved the picture on the donation for backpack and school supplies. I remember when I would get new school supplies, how happy and excited I was.

I am not writing this to get people to help by going through World Vision's site. It was just something that came to mind that I thought I would share.