God Given Daisies             — by Carole Devecka

The Big Give

As many people know, Oprah has a new show called "The Big Give."  I am glad that this type of show is making a hit with the public, and they can see how rewarding giving can be.

In addition to learning how to give on a large scale, the public is learning that if you ask, you will receive from others who want to be in the process of giving.

I try teaching non-profit organizations that all they have to do is tell their story or their mission, state their need, and ask for help, money, clothing, household items, equipment, tools, and volunteers.  I have never been turned away empty handed.

I do better in person, than on the phone. Even though some people are great on the phone it is not my thing!   In person, people can see the sincerity in my heart and on my face.

Also, I have learned to write letters to peak the public's interest.  They give me an appointment to tell them about what I am doing and how they can help.

As people watch the Oprah's Big Give Show they also learn how emotionally attached you can get with the people you are helping… All within a short period of time, and how good that feels.

People wonder sometimes: how I can have so many new friends that seem to have an emotional attachment to me as if we were friends for a long period of time? You can know people for years, decades even, and not touch hearts, but then sometimes you can touch hearts and change a life in moments, if you are open to being vulnerable.

There is a song called "Reach Out and Touch."  I believe it’s by Bill Gaither, and in the song it says...

"Reach out and touch a soul that is hungry,
 Reach out and touch a life in despair,
 Reach out and touch those that are lonely,
 Reach out and touch if you care.
Caring means giving a part of yourself if you dare."

"The Big Give" also is a family show which opens up conversations about people less fortunate and gives the children an opportunity to participate in giving. I have found that kids are great at helping others, especially teens; and it does change their lives along with the people they are helping.

Many of the teens I have worked with in the past, are all involved with charity work.   Even those in the military, while protecting us, continue to do good work helping others gain basic things they need....

I love that about Americans. We are resourceful and generous and we give big!

— © Carole Devecka, God Given Daisies

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