Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

― Lord Buddha

Top 5 Ideas for Changing Lives

There is a global need to help and serve the needy but why? Not everyone is privileged in this world and there is a widespread unequal distribution of wealth. There are people who flourish and there are those who lack even the basic amenities of life including food.

Serving them by giving them some money or even moral support helps them to deal with the challenges of daily life effectively. When you lend a hand to the needy it makes them feel contented and secure and this is how you can change their lives for good.

By helping others, you make this world a better place to live for all. You are liked by others and people would seek your company. Giving earns you blessings of God and society and above all you gain a feeling of inner satisfaction.

Many studies suggest that ‘Giving is Healthy’. The gesture of giving improves the quality of life of individuals because it brings happiness and joy. Even a small contribution can help people to afford basic requirements like a shelter to live in, clothes to wear, and food to eat. The noble endeavor is simply one of the greatest achievements of life.

There could be many ways of helping others but here are the top 5 ideas using which you could change the lives of the impoverished and needy people.

1. Let’s Feed

According to the latest national statistics, more than 19 Crore people in India sleep hungry every day. This is a sad state of affairs. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says, 33% of the food produced worldwide never actually reaches the plates of those who need it.

Moreover, the ongoing pandemic has led to the loss of jobs of millions who are temporary workers dependent on daily wages. Right now, they are unable to provide even one square meal to their families. Let’s support the organizations that help feed the hungry and provide other essentials to those in need. We can even give to those in need directly but nonprofit organizations are able to reach a wider population in need due to their greater outreach.

COVID-19 is definitely a fatal epidemic, but let’s keep in mind that hunger may turn into even a more dangerous and bigger epidemic if appropriate actions are not taken by those who have more than enough food in their kitchen.

2. Providing Opportunities & Moral support

Let’s give the poor and needy moral support by showing empathy and respect towards them. Such a gesture makes them aware that someone cares about them. If you are well-off, you may provide them with opportunities in your offices and factories to improve their condition. Obviously, this will boost their self-esteem too.

These days there is no great service to humanity than sponsoring the education of underprivileged children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19. You can help them in overcoming barriers they face every day in order to study in a school or a Gurukul. Help them discover their own capabilities so that they can use them in the right place. Providing the right guidance can also be a valuable charity in this world of today where others tend to mislead the vulnerable.

3. Offer Financial Assistance

You can help needy people monetarily as well. Providing financial help can help the poor solve their basic problems of living. You can associate with reputed charity organizations and NGOs and donate money to ensure that your gift of compassion reaches the rightful receiver.

In this digital age, you can support the fundraisers initiated by verified organizations on social media platforms. You can also help in creating awareness in your community or even the global society through the worldwide web using ethical strategies.

4. Be a Part of Drives or Start One

Collection drives are also a great way to help the needy. You may start collection drives for clothes, food, stationery, books, medicines, masks, and other necessities to help the underprivileged people. Organize such drives in NGOs, Hospitals, schools, offices, or locality with the permission of the concerned people. It is one of the easiest ways to help the needy.

Get in touch with the organizations working for the social causes, know what they need and then organize a collection drive at a place of your choice.

Unfortunately, in these Covid-19 days, you must be extra careful with collection drives and must follow all the safety protocols in your area.

5. Volunteer

It is not necessary to donate money and resources always. Volunteering skills and time are also a great social service. You can teach children, spend some time at orphanages, assist the blind and visually impaired, spend time with deaf and dumb children, and also at old age homes. You may also volunteer as a caller on the phone or virtual helplines providing support to the needy. For this you may require special skills and you will have to connect with the organizations operating the virtual support services. Your smallest efforts count and they have the power to bring happiness to the life of the less privileged.

So, let’s understand the needs and requirements of deprived people and help them overcome the adversities. Remember to serve with love and respect the dignity of those at the receiving end. As privileged members of society, we must help them in any possible manner to the best of our capacity and capability. Your acts of kindness can change the lives of others and leave a positive imprint in their hearts. So, be the first one to take that first step in this noble direction and attract Divine blessings. Every religion in this world supports and promotes charity and in Hinduism, ‘Sewa’ (serving others selflessly) is regarded as ‘Supreme Devotion’