spiralngphoenix

So, I'm sitting here watching The Dresden Files on Hulu, and one of their ads pops up. Usually I mute them and wait out the 30 seconds, but this one actually caught my attention enough for me to pay attention. Then pause it, and go explore the web for more info about the organization.

It's called SmallCanBeBig, and it's a microdonation site. What really caught me about it is two things. One, it's designed so that specific donations go to specific families in need, and two, it's based in Waltham and all the donations go to help families in Massachusetts. It's partnered with 10 local charity organizations. I did a little bit of digging around and only found good things about it.

Those who know me are probably quite well-versed in my opinions on charity organizations. I have a strong dislike of constantly being bombarded with "Please give to this charity to help the poor starving folks in 'insert X foreign country here'." I believe that we should help those that are poor and starving in our own neighborhoods, before we look beyond our borders. The elderly woman next door whose Social Security check doesn't cover her utilities, and she's shivering in the cold New England winters because she's keeping her heat set to 50, if she can turn it on at all. The family across town who are facing eviction because both parents have been laid off, or there is serious illness in the family. Domestic violence survivors trying to put their lives back together. There are thousands of stories like these right here at home, yet a lot of people don't think about it, and it breaks my heart.

These folks seem to have the same idea, and I thought it would be a nice thing to share. Sadly, as I'm currently a charity case myself there's not a heck of a lot I can do, but I figured I can at least help boost the signal for them a little further.