Over the years, writers, philosophers, statesmen and others have described the benefits of giving — and the need to give — in multiple ways.
From author Maya Angelou: “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt in his second inaugural address in 1937: “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
In ancient times, Seneca the Elder wrote: “It is a denial of justice not to stretch out a helping hand to the fallen that is the common right of humanity.”
And English churchman Robert South from the 17th century: “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.”
By each of those definitions, Savannah and the many communities that make up the Coastal Empire have a track record of generosity, of giving to help neighbors in need.
This Christmas, though, that pattern of giving, of reaching out has slipped.
For whatever reasons — and they’re open to speculation — many of us are less willing to open our billfolds and checkbooks, as well as our hearts, to those who could use a helping hand.
With only three days left before Christmas donations to seasonal local charities are down from previous years.
Among those is the Savannah Morning News’ Empty Stocking fund, which, to date, is behind previous years in donations.
But we’re not alone. Other organizations such as Goodwill and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia report similar shortfalls.
There’s still time for you to help. Here’s a list of local charities that are accepting donations:
Empty Stocking
The Empty Stocking Fund was created to help lift the spirits of children who may not have a joyous holiday season because of family hardships. Contributions will be acknowledged in the manner requested by donors. Make checks payable to the Empty Stocking Fund and mail to the Savannah Morning News, P.O. Box 1088, Savannah, GA 31402-1088. Only monetary gifts can be accepted. Or donate at savannahnow.com/emptystocking.
America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Feeds the hungry by distributing nutritious food to nonprofit agencies and at-risk elderly and youth.
For more information about donations, call 912-236-6750 or go to helpendhunger.org.
Salvation Army
Dedicated to spreading the Christian Gospel and providing humanitarian aid.
For more information, call Brad Atkinson, major gifts officer, at 912-651-7430.
United Way of the Coastal Empire
Supports community programs and services through partnerships, long-term planning and investment of donor contributions in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan and Liberty counties.
For information about donating, call 912-651-7700.
Union Mission
Provides humanitarian and social services to homeless and special needs communities.
Christmas gifts designed for teenagers — including purses, watches and personal care items — are requested as donations. Items can be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 120 Fahm St. in Savannah.
A community dinner for those in need is scheduled at noon Christmas Day at 120 Fahm St.
For more information, call 912-236-7423.
Old Savannah City Mission
A privately-funded charity that operates a Christian rescue mission for those in need. Clothing, furniture, household goods and automobiles are being accepted to feed the hungry and others in need. To donate, call 912-232-1979.
The mission is conducting its annual “Christmas on the Corner” dinner for the less fortunate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day at 2414 Bull St. in Savannah. The public can also donate gifts at the dinner.
Savannah Feed the Hungry
Provides assistance to the homeless and low-income residents through food, clothing, hot meals and community involvement.
Unwrapped toys and monetary donations can be sent to: 4011 Augusta Road, Garden City, GA 31408.
For more details, call 912-349-0774.
American Red Cross
Provides emergency and disaster relief services, as well as lifesaving classes.
Accepting financial donations to help local families who have lost their homes to fire or other disasters.
Area residents can send a financial donation of any size to: American Red Cross, Southeast Georgia Chapter, P.O. Box 9987, Savannah, GA 31412. For more information, call 912-651-5300.
Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire Inc.
Assists those with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become employed and live independently.
Goodwill is seeking clothing, household and automobile donations, as well as financial donations to fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges.
Clothing, household and electronic donations can be dropped off at any area donation center, retail location and drop boxes throughout the region. For locations or to make an online donation, go to goodwillsavannah.org/donate.
All Walks of Life (AWOL) Inc.
Provides arts and technology education for at-risk youth.
AWOL is accepting monetary donations to its 2K Strong campaign to fund performing arts program scholarships, a computer and computer software, snacks, T-shirts and staffing among other items.
Payments can be sent to AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc., P.O Box 15846, Savannah, GA 31416 or online at 2Kstrong.org. For more information, call 912-303-4987.
Greenbriar Children’s Center
Provides services that promote healthy development of children and the strengthening of families.
For more information, contact Stephanie Majors at 912-234-3431 or smajors@greenbriarchildrenscenter.org.
Park Place Outreach Inc.
Provides emergency shelter, meals and counseling to at-risk youth and their families. Accepting gift cards and children’s gifts for boys and girls ages 11 to 17. Canned goods, paper products and food store gift cards are also accepted. Donations can be made to: Park Place Outreach, 514 E. Henry St., Savannah, GA 31401. For more information, call 912-234-4048.