Hope, Love, and Charity In Arduous Times

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” —

Colossians 3:14

“If you knew, as I do, the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing some of it.” —

Buddha

“From the wealth you have earned by rightful means, take out one-tenth, and as a matter of duty, give it away in charity.” —

Bhagavad Gita

“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” —

African Proverb

I’m Done Doomscrolling. Ready To Act.

Abir El Saghir prepares and donates food for her community in Lebanon.

After what for me and others was an unsettling presidential election, I found myself feeling oddly optimistic after watching one of my favorite culinary artists prepare gargantuan amounts of food for her community.

Whether it is during times of peace, or times of war, 26 year old Abir El Saghir elegantly prepares incredible dishes with colorful cooking methods. She hardly eats the food herself, but she is always quick to serve her local children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and all.

Doughnuts, Butter Chicken, and Fried Chicken made by Abir.

This woman has every reason to express her pain and suffering, but instead she defends Lebanon by battling hunger and despair. I had many conversations with a close relative about disappointing actions humanity has made and continues to make. There are countless examples of us abusing each other, bombing each other, destroying our environment, and poisoning the earth. However, what exhausts me are those who tout how much they have given up.

The cultures of society shift with the times, and change is made by the people who stay to make a change. Despite how disappointing many people can be (especially on the internet where some of the most violent and angry voices are loudest) you would be surprised how quickly your real life neighbor will support you. The communities we build during times of adversity will keep us strong and enhance our chances of survival.

Abir’s culinary community inspired me to stay vigilant and to not stand on the sidelines complaining. Instead, I’m wondering how to make a difference. I am done Doom Scrolling—the perpetual act of devouring horrible news. The first step is to take care of ourselves. The next step is to give.

Charities

Merriam-Webster defines charity as “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering.” Starting now, I want to be more involved and invested in charities. I’m beginning with the following three, and will work my way to others:

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF) is a globally recognized humanitarian organization that provides medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and other crises. Founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists, MSF operates independently of political, economic, or religious influences to deliver unbiased, lifesaving assistance.

MSF directs approximately 87% of its expenses to program activities, which include delivering medical care, conducting public education, and responding to emergencies. The organization is highly rated for financial transparency and efficiency.

World Food Program

The World Food Program is a humanitarian organization that operates in over 120 countries, assisting people affected by war, natural disasters, and economic instability. It provides food aid, supports agricultural development, and helps build sustainable food systems.

The WFP allocates about 93% of its expenditures to direct program costs, focusing on food assistance, nutrition support, and emergency relief efforts. Administrative and fundraising expenses account for just 7%.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance and disaster relief worldwide. Founded in 1948, its mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, regardless of politics, religion, or geography.

Direct Relief ensures that 99.4% of its contributions go toward programmatic efforts, including medical aid, disaster response, and supporting healthcare providers globally. This is one of the highest rates among major non-profits.

How do we know if charities are legitimate?

1. Research the Charity’s Information

Check its Website: A legitimate charity will have a clear mission, contact information, and financial transparency. Look for detailed information about their programs and impact.
Verify Tax-Exempt Status: In the U.S., search for the organization on the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool (IRS.gov).
Confirm Registration: In other countries, check national charity registries (e.g., Canada Revenue Agency for Canada or the Charity Commission in the UK).

2. Use Charity Evaluators

Several organizations evaluate and rate charities based on their transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness:

Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org): Rates charities based on financial health, accountability, and transparency.
GuideStar (guidestar.org): Offers detailed profiles of charities, including financial reports and program effectiveness.
GiveWell (givewell.org): Focuses on identifying the most impactful charities, particularly in global health and poverty alleviation.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org): Reviews charities against standards for accountability.

3. Analyze Financial Transparency

Review Financial Statements: Look for annual reports, IRS Form 990 (in the U.S.), or similar documents that outline how funds are allocated.
Look for Program Efficiency: A well-run charity typically spends 75-85% of its budget on programs and services, with minimal administrative and fundraising costs.

4. Look for Independent Reviews

Search for reviews, news articles, or watchdog reports about the charity to ensure there are no scandals or fraud accusations.
Check sites like CharityWatch (charitywatch.org) for in-depth analysis.

5. Avoid Red Flags

Pressure Tactics: Be wary of charities that use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations.
Lack of Information: Avoid organizations that are vague about how donations are used.
Requests for Cash or Wire Transfers: Legitimate charities will usually offer secure methods for online or check donations.

6. Contact the Charity

If you’re unsure, reach out directly to the organization and ask specific questions about their work, how donations are used, and their governance structure.