Even a little bit helps

 Hardly a day goes by without multiple appeals for charitable donations - on line and via email and , in person on street corners and outside stores.  One cannot go very far out of one's house before encountering street beggars and/or seeing homeless encampments.  These requests stir up feelings of both guilt and annoyance.  (Then I feel guilty for feeling annoyed and ask myself I would like to trade places, have a little compassion. There are a lot of people in trouble out there - homeless and hungry)   I seldom comply.  

I combat feelings of guilt by reminding myself that I do donate hundreds of dollars a year.  First, I pay Fast Offering.  Then I make regular small contributions to LDS Humanitarian Services.  I once read some impressive numbers of how much money would go to help people in need if every member of the church gave just one dollar.  Since then, I donate at least $5/month to Humanitarian Services.  Not much, but in the every little bit theory.  Once in a while I give through other organizations and sometimes make up food/lunch packets to give to street people, although scary news stories have me doing that less.  But one can only do/give so much.  It is hard not to feel badly. 

Today I got an email that helps.  A lot.  

Your Contributions Are Making a Difference

"To anyone who has ever given a humanitarian aid donation, to the child who sealed some coins in an envelope, to the new widower who made a donation in memory of his wife—you are Latter-day Saint Charities, and you are helping others feel the love of God and the love of neighbors in the far reaches of the earth. Thank you." Sister Sharon Eubank, President of Latter-day Saint Charities, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

In 2020, a year of adapting to new needs, the Church increased humanitarian efforts thanks to donations from people like you. Thanks to your support, Latter-day Saint Charities led over 3,600 humanitarian projects in 160 countries and territories, impacting the lives of millions. With the COVID-19 pandemic, donations from you and partners helped to send medical and emergency supplies to people around the world; train health care professionals regarding physical, mental, and emotional support for those who are struggling; and adjust production schedules at Church-owned canneries and food processing plants to meet increasing community needs. Our work is your work, and we are guided by our faith and commitment to live the first and second great commandments. "When we love God with all our hearts, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a beautiful, virtuous cycle." - President Russell M. Nelson, "The Second Great Commandment," Oct. 2019 general conference.