Friday's Charity: Doing it Yourself

Sometimes you hear those uplifting stories on the news or read them online. Stories about a kid, teen or adult doing something to make a difference. Planting a garden, setting up a meals-on-wheels program or raising a money for a good cause. And you think, how can one person make a difference? Where do they build this up?

Well I found a great Web site if you're interesting in starting your own small charity or if there's a cause you feel needs attention.

It's called DoSomething.org and I think it's a really great stepping stone for teens to get involved in charity work. Especially in doing something that holds great meaning for them. All you have to do is apply for a grant at the Web site. As far as I understand they give out a grant a month of $500. That doesn't seem like a whole lot of money, but it's enough to get a project started.

You can also donate to DoSomething.org, and they have sponsors that will donate if you shop at their stores or online.

A lot of people who've I've talked to about my volunteering have been older, and they've been very surprised and impressed that I am volunteering. And while it's nice to be praised for it, it's also a little depressing that this is their reaction. Should it really be such a big deal to give back a little time to help others, no matter your age? Are we so self-involved as young adults that the mere fact of simple charity work is something to be impressed by? Everyone should at some point in their lives stretch out a hand (or two) to those in need. It doesn't take much. All you need is a little bit of time or even just a little bit of money to make a difference.