Postcards From Myself

It has come to my attention due to some comments of various caring people I know that much like economics in general, there are two major theories of philanthropy at work in our society. Neither of these two styles is wrong, they just approach our societies problems from a different angle. And, much like any other cause with differing methodologies, they are often pitted against each other.

The first method that many of us are familiar with is the direct approach. With this we go out and help build a home for Habitat For Humanity, we donate blood to the Red Cross, or we send canned food to the local food bank. With each of these there is a relatively short road from the donor to recipient. Even in situations like the Red Cross or Goodwill where there may be an administrative level of isolation, there is still a direct connection between the organization we are giving to and the recipients of that donation. Maybe we should call this “Main Street Philanthropy”.

In the second method, there is a more indirect approach. Here we have practices as varied as educating people about problems in other areas of the world to holding benefits to raise money for charities. There isn’t anything at all wrong with this methodology, but there is a bit of distance put between the donor and the recipient. In addition, due to that distance and often infrastructure overhead, there is a certain signal loss before the end is achieved. We can call this “Trickle Down Philanthropy.”

An example of what I am talking about is this. If I have $100 to give, I could go to the grocery, buy $100 worth of food and give that out at the food bank. In this instance, 100% of my donation reaches the end recipients. Conversely, if I took that $100 and sent it to any number of well known charities, part of it would go to processing fees. Part of the donation would also go to pay for office staff, rent perhaps, and maybe even transportation. In the end, it is possible that only $50 of my donation would actually reach the recipient at the end.

And if instead I spent that $100 to give a few lecture or classes on the plight of the impoverished and starving, then it is also conceivable that absolutely none of my money would reach those in need. It is possible that all that money I had to offer was simply washed away.

This would seem like a clear choice to make until we realize that when the Trickle Down Philanthropy method works, it can actually amplify our donation. If that class I spent a $100 to teach was paying attention, didn’t fall asleep, and heeded my message, it is possible that each of the 25 people in attendance reached into their purse or wallet and made a $100 donation to the food bank. And they may also take what they have learned, spread the lesson, and triggered more donations. That amplification of effort is the magic of the Trickle Down theory.

So, here we have two methods of donation – one direct and one indirect. As I said before, neither is write or wrong. Certain people feel drawn to the direct satisfaction of the Main Street method and others have the vision and planning for the Trickle Down method. The truth is, each one needs the other to survive. Without feet on the street doing the work, the Trickle Down method is just so much posturing and conjecture. And without individuals doing the background education, fundraising, and paper work, those people doing the work on the street would have no funds, supporters, or growth. The key is finding where you fit in the picture and applying yourself there. And realizing that just because someone uses a different method, that doesn’t mean they are doing it wrong.

OK, I will come right out and admit that I have finished all my shopping and now get to sit back and watch everyone else rush around trying to figure out what to give, where to go, and what to do. I love it. And no, I am not being cruel. I really do love the hustle and bustle – I used to work retail and I really enjoyed helping people find that “just right” gift. You know, not the gift that is within arm’s reach, but the one that hits the heart.

You say you are still looking? You say you would like a hint? Ok, well here goes. The following short list can, pretty much, still be done in time for this year or maybe you can get a head start on that birthday or next Christmas. Be forewarned, I like gifts that help or touch people. Not just “stuff.” If stuff is what you want to give, stick a twenty in an envelope and be done with it.

1. How about a sheep? (I like sheep.) Or a llama? Or… all kinds of different animals. I am not talking about actually giving your intended an animal, but instead a donation of livestock in their name to those in need. Visit Heifer International to see how your gift can help end world hunger. And hey, I bet not many people can say, “I got a sheep for Christmas!”
2. Ok then, how about a three month memberships to a movie service like Netflix? Or, if they are a gamer, to GameFly? No, it isn’t as altruistic as the sheep, but they will think about you each time they use the service, and it will keep on giving.
3. Speaking of remembering you and thinking about you when the gift is used, how about a journal or some nice stationary. Writing, not typing but writing, is a dying art in many ways, and a journal or stationary can help bring it back. And with the stationary, there is actually a chance that the recipient might write to you!
4. Along that same vein, in fact you can give this gift in accompaniment to the aforementioned paper goods, how about a pen? No, I am not talking about a $1.25 ballpoint. I am talking about a nice, sturdy, good looking writing tool. You can find them on-line or at your local office supply store ranging in price from five or ten dollars up into the hundreds or even thousands. Again, not the “usual” gift and something that will bring a thought of you each time it is used.
5. Finally, lets talk gift cards. You thought I was going to forget those? Well, I would like you to forget the general “I have no idea what to give you and cash is crass” ones. Sure, get your friend or family member a gift certificate, but make it personal. Get it to their favorite restaurant and put it in a card with the menu or inside a small cook book. If they are in to cars, get it to a auto parts store or tool shop and wrap it up with a Matchbox or Hotwheel car. A young kid who just got their first car? Give them a gas card and wrap it up with a car air freshener or antenna topper. You get the idea. Don’t just essentially hand over cash, make it personal and show that you thought about them.

There you go! Just a few ideas for you to think about while trying to finish up and keep that greasy lunch down. And remember – smile, have a good time, and make it personal. They will love it.

OK, I love books. Really! I have tons. Too many as my family might say. They give me comfort. They make me happy. I wallow in them. So, it is only natural that people like to give me books as presents. That should make me happy too, right? Wrong. Well, actually right most of the time and wrong some of the others. The reason is that people do some things with books that they wouldn’t think of doing to any other sort of present. So, here are some dos and don’ts of book gift giving.

• Do not price clip the book! Price clipping is when you clip off the little inside corner of the dust jacket that has the price on it. First, you are fooling no one. Most people know what the book costs or can see it on the shelf or at Amazon. You are hiding nothing. But, you are making the book harder to return if I already have it. You are also devaluing the book if it ever becomes collectible. You have basically defaced and damaged it thereby lowering its value.
• Do not take a pen and scratch out the price. See all the reasons above.



• Do take off a sticky price tag stuck to the dust jacket. You know the ones that have a mark-down price or say “best seller.” Just remove them very carefully so as not to tear the dust jacket, and then make sure the sticky gunk is removed.
• Do not write an inscription in the book. OK, I know this one is hard, but unless you are the author, don’t write in the book. First there are the reasons above about returns and devaluation. Also, even if I do return the book or maybe pass it on to someone else, maybe I would like to keep your note that says why you gave the book to me. I want to keep that memory of our time together, so it would be much easier if it was written on a nice sheet of your stationary and tucked inside the cover. Then, no matter what happens to the book I can keep the memory.
• Do, and this is a biggie, let me know something about you in the book you give me. Sure, I like cars. But you like travel. So give me a travel book about great driving roads. Or maybe you know that I like trains and you like fine food, so you could give me a book about the dining experience on the Orient Express. I once got a book from my father about the trains that were used in the area where he grew up. That has got to be one of my most prized treasures. A gift given should be the intersection of the giver and the receiver.

Can you tell that I feel strongly about books? The written word is powerful, and a book given is a transfer of that power. Favorite books are treasured, displayed, and passed down for generations, so make the most of that opportunity and share some pages!

I am just wondering what you want for Christmas? Not necessarily some big item like a television or a diamond ring, but what is it that if you could have anything and weren’t afraid to be laughed at that you would ask for? Remember when you were a kid and you would freely state that you wanted a pony, or a train, or a spaceship? And remember how, every once in a while, you got what you asked for even if it wasn’t it the exact detail of your request?

Maybe you asked for a spaceship and you got a LEGO set to build one. Or maybe you ask for a pony and got a play set with a pony and other little animals. Or who knows, maybe you actually got a pony? Yes, there are those times when you actually get exactly what you ask for. So, be careful that what you ask for is really what you want!

As for me, what I really want is a trip to England. I would love to go back for a week or even a few days. Problem is that right now there is no way I can afford the ticket and the hotel. I keep trying to find a way, but nothing has reared its head yet.

But that is me, and the question here is about you. So, what do you want? Really, what do you want?