One Way to Help Friends in Financial Need

In tough times, it’s not just family that reaches out to help each other. Neighbors help neighbors, and friends help friends. No doubt you know of members of your own community who are going through their own personal tough times during this recession, whether it’s due to a job layoff, unexpected medical bills, an unaffordable mortgage, foreclosure or divorce.

Lending a helping hand to others isn’t always as simple as it seems. Some people, no matter how desperate their straits, are too proud to ask for a handout, or too embarrassed.

And for those fortunate enough to be in a position to donate money, many prefer to see their contributions going to benefit people they know, in their own community.

That’s the thinking of a new website called Giving Anonymously (GA). The site was created to act as a conduit for people who wish to give money - anonymously - to people they know who are struggling financially. Givers send money to the non-profit website, which in turn sends a check to the individual(s) indicated by the donor. Recipients are encouraged to leave a thank-you message by calling GA’s toll-free number, and this message is converted into a voice file that’s then emailed to the donor.

(According to the GA website, the IRS doesn’t consider recipient-specific donations a tax-deductible donation.)

At least one major television network is highlighting daily stories of people helping others. For those who are too shy to be profiled on a national news network, Giving Anonymously is another way to extend a life preserver to those who are struggling to stay afloat.

Tags: anonymous giving, giving anonymously

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