Charitable Giving Julie C. Dodd Professor Whaley ENGL 4100-R51F12C November 26, 2012

One action can make a difference even if it seems small and insignificant to the rest of the world, that one single action can mean the world to someone else.

Reasons for Giving Give back to the community. Helps others less fortunate than you. Gives you a warm feeling inside. Gives you a sense of accomplishment. Tax Ride-Off

Being part of an organization with similar goals and mission can help you to accomplish so much more than working alone.

 The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is a nonprofit organization whose membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God, and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and self-improvement.  Members are guided by the Holy Bible and Biblical heroines who teach the lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love.  Local OES Chapters select special charities and causes to emphasize each year to provide some form of service in their own communities. They also participate in statewide projects, country-wide projects, and even larger world-wide projects in their efforts to be of service to their communities, their states, and their countries.

If you live in the Nashville area the Rock City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star would love to list you as a member or contributor in our efforts to “Make a Difference” in our community. Teddy Bears & Books – Teddy bears and books are being collected and given to the local Police and Fire Department to be handed out when they encounter situations that involve small children.

Scholarships for students Donating school supplies to underprivileged children Donating arts and crafts supplies to schools Donating books to schools and libraries Sending care packages to our soldiers overseas Sending rag dolls overseas for our soldiers to give out to children in war-torn countries.

The OES does not receive any governmental funding. All of the OES projects are funded through charitable donations and their fundraising efforts. None of these projects would be possible without the generous donations of people like yourself who want to make a difference.

Take the time to look around you and you will see people who require assistance, people who are tired and hungry, children living without, and others who just need someone to listen to them when they talk so they no longer feel alone. Join me by donating to the OES, contributing to one of their fundraisers, or by becoming a member and discover for yourself that there is no greater gift than to give of yourself. The feeling you receive when you know you’ve helped another can never be replaced. Thank you.