December 1, 2015, Chino Valley- I received exactly 156 requests for money today. Mot of them were online. I gave modest amounts to three charities. That the Solicitation Industry is alive and well is more than a cliche. Need is great, and I have to figure out a meaningful way to help some destitute friends, yet, before the month gets too old. Said friends are across the country, and anything I do for them will only be a token, but so be it.
There have been times when I looked homelessness and extreme cold in the face, and got through it, with help from both stranger and friend, as well as through my own resources. Institutionalized help does do a lot of good, but there is always the Administrative factor, which includes salaries for the staff. I would strongly advise http://www.charitynavigator.org, in that regard.
It has been quite cold here, the past three days, and my Nissan complained mightily this evening, before starting up and getting me to a friend’s house, for a short visit. Yes, my car could take a considerable chunk of my resources, yet. That is something we all have faced, from time to time. I may have to get an old blanket to put over the engine at night, on days to come, just as my father did a few times, in the New England Decembers and Januaries of old.
Thus has the final month of 2015, and my first full month of 65, begun.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
I have also received many appeals, but nowhere near the 156 that you have! I believe in giving, but there is so much duplication in the pleas from similar causes that it’s difficult to know which to give to — Charity Navigator has helped me to direct my donations much more effectively.
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It amazes me how much duplication of just about everything there is, in the nonprofit world.
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‘Hi’, from me twice in one morning. 🙂 I hope you can find a lot of wisdom in choosing who deserves your money.
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I have my favourites- one children’s health, one veterans’ organization, Toys for Tots, and a battered peoples’ organization, that I support monthly.
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My inbox was flooded too. I guess I understand but so many take money off the top to an excessive degree. Happy first month of your 65th year! 🙂
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That’s why I used Charity Navigator, to minimize giving to a high-end administrator.
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There are so many good causes, that I just don’t know where my money would do the most good!
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If everyone chose one or two, and gave modestly, but consistently, it’d work out.
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I didn’t receive any requests. But even if I did, I wouldn’t have had the money to give. When I do have some money to give, I usually donate to St. Joseph’s Indian School.
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Blessings must certainly shower upon you and family, and soon.
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I hope so.
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