There are hundreds of billions of dollars given to charities each year. The term charity means, the act of benevolent giving. Many people find happiness in helping others and so they choose to share some of their good fortune. There are several reasons why a person may benefit by donating to charities. Some people believe that when they have been blessed with good fortune, the right thing to do is pay it forward!

People will at times, give donations to causes that they support and want to have a hand in helping them to succeed. Christian organizations tend to want to give by way of missionaries and feeding the hungry in other countries. Sometimes people are trying to become better people and feel that by giving to others is a good way to do that. Others have left inheritances to charities of their choice because they have no family or close friends to leave the funds.

There are many areas where if one chooses to donate monies he can help and some of these are, domestic violence, animal safe havens, and impoverished children, regions that have been struck by natural disasters, minorities, single mothers and to help those with mental illness as well as many others. Sometimes people give to charities for tax purposes. Many people just want to do their part and feel better by helping in some way.

Donations can come in the form of money, cars, big sister shirts, and houses. People’s time is also a charity. They may help repair or build houses for the less fortunate. Many stars and athletes find themselves with lots of extra money and choose to donate to different organizations as their way of saying thank you. Guilt, the need to feel good about ourselves and trying to gain social status is also motivators in giving money to charity. Compassion is what most people say is the reason they give to others. Charities are often made to schools because parents hope that it will help get their children enrolled. Also, politicians receive lots of charity when running for office. People want to see their political party re-elected and so try to give as much money as they can to achieve that. Other people want to be recognized and have stories written about them or be on television for their large contributions.

The Red Cross and United Way are very popular organizations that people tend to donate their money and time. Many feel that they would need to have a helping if they were in position that others are. Sometimes fire, floods and tornadoes destroys homes and causes families to be left without the very basics. These organizations will provide temporary housing as well as food and clothing in these stressful situations. People gain a feeling of making a difference when they have the resources to contribute!

With the economy being oppressed, many charities need donations now because their funds are low.