Almsgiving

To the left is a picture of my sponsored son, Revanth Chintha. I keep his picture on my refrigerator to remind me that there are so, so many families who have much less than me, yet they're still grateful for what they have and are joyful despite their situation. I sponsor him through Unbound [I do not get a commission for referring you to them]. 92% of Unbound's funds go to its program and less than 8% go toward fundraising and administrative costs, so I contribute confidently to their cause. You can choose any charitable organization to give alms.

Here are some other ways you can give alms:

1) Increase your tithing to your church or temple;

2) Donate some food to your local soup kitchen or food bank;

3) Get groceries, shop for, or make a meal for a disabled person, an elderly neighbor, a new mother, or a family who just lost a loved one; and/or

4) Give food or drink to the beggar on the street.

Option 4) can be controversial, so exercise sound judgment and discernment before giving to the beggar. Personally, despite various words of caution from friends and family, I often give to the beggars. In my mind, heart, and soul, the beggars are also my spiritual siblings, and if they are taking advantage of me, I pray for their conversion.