Image by Truthout.org via Flickr
Watching the nightly news recently, I saw a sweet story about a private school where the students were helping the homeless by contributing new sheets for a shelter. The reporter was interviewing adults about how important is was for children to learn about those in need and to contribute. I totally agree. But is it really about giving things that don’t really help?
I don’t mean to pick on just the sheets for the shelter campaign. Let’s talk about food banks. People rush to empty their cupboards of cans they haven’t used in years or go to the grocery store and snap up two for one items to contribute. Yes, the thought is appreciated but food banks would rather have the money. That’s because they have access to purchase lots more food with $1 then a contributor can buy at the local grocery.
Yes, cash is always king for a nonprofit but there are times when nonprofits could use help from the general public through advocacy. Emails, letters, tweets to elected officials about government funding or changing a law can be just as valuable as the dollars to create the campaign.
It may sound like I’m griping but it really is more about focus. People don’t take the time to really investigate an issue and find out what they can do that will really help. Nonprofits are not good at prioritizing what they need and making the case for it. And most nonprofits don’t want to offend anyone or turn away anything even if it doesn’t work well with their goals and/or mission.
As for the homeless, please advocate with your elected officials about concepts like daycare facilities and permanent affordable housing with services. There are many organizations that desperately need cash donations. As for the food banks, remember cash is king and they can stretch a dollar in more ways than you can.
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