This post is written post-Hurricane Harvey 2017, but the message is timeless. Giving back to others can help us all heal.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

I’m struggling to find the right words for this post – I want to urge you to consider donating if you have not yet done so; To thank you if you already have; Ask you to not just give during a tragedy or natural disasters but to remember there are people suffering in our communities, in our countries, all over our World, all the time. To help me articulate my thoughts, I’m turning to the words of others.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston S. Churchill

Donations of time and service are vital as well!

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” ~ Muhammad Ali

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Perhaps you or someone close to you is currently in need.  (If that’s the case, please ask for help too!)

“It’s really important to be able to receive love and receive compassion. It is as important as being able to give it.” ~Pema Chodron

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens

Together we can do so much and help us all heal.

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give. ~ Ben Carson

“That’s what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” ~ Simone De Beauvoir

Ways You Can Help

The MilitaryDollar.com  is donating, spreading the word, and keeping this post updated with where help is needed, who is getting involved, and how you too can help in Hurricane Harvey Relief.

The Houston Food Bank is where I chose to make a financial contribution now (thanks to GuyonFire and his employer for matching my contribution), but I also contribute to our local food bank annually. You can find your local food bank here.

Donate blood at your local Red Cross or make a financial contribution online – they are always in need! (Thanks to Miss Mazuma for this reminder.) I used to donate frequently but it’s been a couple of years now, so I’ve signed up to give blood next week.

Find more information about a charity you are considering at Charity Navigator. They use an objective rating system to evaluate charities so you can feel better about where your money or time goes.

“I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

There are an endless amount of ways to give back. Please share in the comments other ideas to help. Thank you all for giving back. Together we can heal.

“Giving back is something that comes from the heart to me. It’s not that I do it because it’s the right thing: I do it because I want do it.” ~ Henry Kravis

#Blessed

Amy