Almsgiving

[PeteZaHut]

Do we have an obligation to give to a charity that helps people escape death (ex: people starving in Africa) before we give to an organization that helps people in some other way (ex: Toys for Tots)?

Forgive me if that question seems unnecessary.

Does anyone know of a good organization to give to that helps the people in Africa?

 

[pentecostbaby]

Pete -
I do know of one! It’s call Kiva. You can visit it at kiva.org.
Kiva is a microlender. What that means is that you lend a small amount (25 at a pop, usually) to help people in developing countries become self-sufficient. They pay the money back with the profits from their business. It has helped many, many people living on the margins to lift themselves out of hand-to-mouth (or less) living. Their loans have a huge (like over 98%) repayment rate. Once they pay you back, you can relend the money to others. DH and I generally count the money we lend as gone, and just relend it - that way, you can keep helping people. You can also go and look at updates about their situation. It’s really a way to be connected to others and help them from afar - pretty universal-churchy, though of course they are a secular organization.

 

[ready]

Does anyone know of a good organization to give to that helps the people in Africa?

CRS- Catholic Relief Services

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Do we have an obligation to give to a charity that helps people escape death (ex: people starving in Africa) before we give to an organization that helps people in some other way (ex: Toys for Tots)?

Forgive me if that question seems unnecessary.

Does anyone know of a good organization to give to that helps the people in Africa?

I like the Missionaries of Africa. Their provincial house was near me in Massachusetts; so I got attached to them.

 

[Highwayhound]

Do we have an obligation to give to a charity that helps people escape death (ex: people starving in Africa) before we give to an organization that helps people in some other way (ex: Toys for Tots)?

As Americans we do not have to put limits on ourselves. Giving to both should be possible.

Does anyone know of a good organization to give to that helps the people in Africa?

Maryknoll has several missionary projects in Africa and other parts of the world. My students and I support Sr. Peg Donovan in Kalebezo, Tanzania. Sr. Peg helps people by teaching them how to build brick/concrete type homes. The people get a home and job skills from the project. If you go to their website you can read about the various nuns or priests and their projects. Then if you find one that fits you can support them.

home.maryknoll.org/maryknoll/

I like this Kiva loan idea and will look into it.

God bless