Editorial: It’s the best time to share the wealth
A front-page story Tuesday on the so-called “new rich” of U.S. adults — those with household income of $250,000 or more — increasing in numbers in America, comes at a fortuitous time.
As does the companion piece that says U.S. household wealth rose to record highs in September, regaining all the wealth American lost in the Great Recession.
Why fortuitous? Because it’s the holiday season and with the increase in wealth should come a corresponding increase in giving — to charities, nonprofits or in time. At this time of year, in particular, it’s difficult not to be able to find ways to give back.
And the good news, at least so far, is that that’s what’s happening. The second annual Giving Tuesday, which follows the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping extravaganzas, was a success.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that nonprofits saw big increases in fundraising on Dec. 3,
Donations processed by Blackbaud that day rose 90 percent to 19.2 million compared to about $10 million last year.
The average gift online was $142, up from $102 a year ago, Blackbaud reports.
Network for Good, which also processes online donations, reported $1,8 million in gifts on Giving Tuesday, up from $1 million in 2012.
These are good signs nationally. And hopefully those in the suburbs are following suit. There are so many opportunities to give back and so many worthy organizations that are looking for help. A quick check of the Daily Herald website is one way to find these causes:
타 Volunteers from Great Lakes Naval Station and One Hope United in Lake Villa on Tuesday loaded three trucks or 2,700 gifts to deliver to needy children in the Chicago area, including sites in Des Plaines, Gurnee, Waukegan, Elgin, Aurora and Joliet.
타 B.R. Ryall of Northwestern DuPage County in Glen Ellyn are selling Christmas trees to help fund a scholarship program for individuals and families to take part in fitness programs.
타 Hoffman Estates Police Charitable Foundation is sponsoring its 14th annual “shop with a Cop” holiday event on Saturday to provide gifts to needy young people.
타 The Humanitarian Service Project is collecting donations of new toys, nonperishable items and paper products as part of its holiday drive. Last year, 1,636 children and 121 senior citizens were served by the Christmas Offering, and this year HSP has already committed to providing Christmas to close to 1,600 children and 123 seniors in Kane and DuPage counties.
And we could go on. Our pages are filled with deserving organizations and activities doing good this holiday season.
It’s only two weeks until Christmas. While giving is a year-round endeavor, there are so many who would benefit from your time or treasure at this time of year.