Ice Breaker – Charity of Choice

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question comes from a desire I have to make a difference in the world.  I’m excited to hear your answers as it provides more ideas for making a difference.  Many of us are involved in great organizations that are focused on helping others.  Today’s Ice Breaker is a chance to share about those organizations and to brainstorm about how we can all make a difference.

Question:  If you were to focus your energy and resources to a charity, what would the charity be?  And why would you select that charity?

My Answer:  There are so many great organizations out there that deserve support.  And to be honest, I would still select the local church as the place to focus my attention.  I believe that there is such power to change the world through the combining of efforts through the local church.  I’ve seen it in action at my own church.

Having said that, I still have a heart for other charities.  It amazes me to see the creativity and the resourcefulness of organizations who are committed to doing something positive in this world to make a difference.  For example, our family works with The Seeing Eye to provide guide dogs and freedom to people who are visually impaired.  This summer, I had the opportunity to work with Casas por Cristo who helps to provide reasonable housing for families in Mexico and Guatemala.  And locally, Philabundance helps to provide food to the needy in the Greater Philadelphia community.

All these are great, and picking one is pretty tough (I guess that’s why the local church is still the best option).  But if I’m forced to pick one, I would go with Habitat for Humanity.  I was introduced to Habitat and it’s founder, Millard Fuller, at a fairly young age.  As a teenager and college student, I worked on several Habitat projects helping to build affordable housing for those in need.  I found such satisfaction in using my hands to help create a home for someone.  I also enjoyed working with other people towards a common purpose.  I haven’t worked with Habitat for Humanity for several years, but this post is a reminder to check them out again.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!