Philanthropy is for everyone, even our kids | Ronda Niehaus, Fremont Tribune

[I]t is very easy for most of us to dismiss philanthropy as something that doesn’t apply to us or something that we aspire to participate in when we are older and have more financial means. The reality is there are very few of us who can make a large impact with our dollars alone.

But that's no reason not to give! Instead, Niehaus focuses on philanthropy that requires little or no wealth. She writes:

Philanthropy is defined as “goodwill to fellow members of the human race” or “an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.” With this definition in mind, it is easy to see opportunities for philanthropic acts all around us.

She looks to things students are doing as philanthropists, noting:

While financial contributions are a necessity, they are not the only way to make an impact.

A few examples:

• Students from the Young Adult Program volunteered at the Salvation Army during the holidays.
• National Honor Society members volunteered by unloading food at the Low Income Ministry.
• Members of the Multi-Cultural Club rang bells and held a cold weather blanket drive for Salvation Army.