152,000,000

This is the amount of money American citizens donate to charities in a given year. We give more money to charities than any other place on the planet. It is reported that 4 out of 5 people send their hard earned money to charities. It is predicted that this trend will continue for many years, because we are teaching our children that it is important to give back. Children are seeing the most important examples do good things for others, and not expect anything in return.

Last night, in class, when I heard this information I was so proud. I was proud to say I’m an American. I was proud to be part of this country; a country that has been giving to others since Plymouth Rock. Sometimes we forget that good things and good people are still in our country. There are people that are advocating for a cure for cancer, helping children, abused women, and finding food/shelter for the homeless. There are people out there that care for others.

Recently, it seems like all we hear in the media are bad things that have been happening to the world, our country, and to each other. What the media forgets to talk about is the good things that are happening around us. People are trying to change the world to make it a better place for us and generations to come.

Today, I tip my hat to the 4 out of 5 Americans who donate to charities. If this is you, continue giving to your charity. You are making a difference to someone.