All of us have had hard times at some point in our lives.Times we wished for somewhere to turn.And been glad when someone was there to lend a helping hand.When it comes to making our communities a better place, there are many groups and organizations that strive to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Many of these community organizations are good at providing a "Helping Hand," creative branding, not so much. Here are few such charities from the top of a Google search.
Helping Hands for Relief and Development (HHRD) is a global charity with faith-based roots from parent organization, Muslims For Humanity. HHRD focuses on providing humanitarian relief to populations where the majority of people live below the poverty line. Their programs include emergency services, construction, advocacy, empowerment and training.
Helping Hands of America collects contributions of cash and gifts-in-kind for three charities: The Association of Blind Citizens, Meals on Wheels, and Sacred Hearts Missions. They chose these three charities to support based on their national reputation and history of excellent services. They accept gifts of cars, boats, RVs, art, real estate, or stock and bonds. Their programs supply food to the elderly, services to the blind and vocational training.
NBTY Helping Hands provides services and treatment to those suffering from illness, poverty, trauma or abuse. Run by volunteers from the NBTY corporation, the charity strives to give back to the community that has nurtured its business efforts. It also provides funding and support to other organizations and charities such as blood banks, Big Brothers and Sisters, food banks, treatment programs, and children's foundations.
Each "Helping Hands" charity has its own unique identity, and yet all manage to share the same common goal. Namely, to help lift back up those who wouldn't be able to find their feet alone. Everyone needs a helping hand some time.
Esther Jones is a freelance writer based in Bellingham Washington.