Kickbacks
By Nate • Dec 11th, 2007 • Category: Sod that is good
This past Friday, Sara and I received our kickback check from the state of Oregon. I can’t remember the exact reasoning behind it, but it has something to do with being “in the black” as far as the state’s budget is concerned. Whatever, we have a few hundred dollars back in our pockets, courtesy of the state.
Cool, right? Yeah. Hell yeah. Let’s go buy some Santa outfits and a .75 of rum and run amok!
Actually, hold on. I kind of feel guilty about this. I mean, I think that there’s plenty that the state could be spending this money on instead of giving it back to us. I’m sure that there are some people that, this time of year especially, could really use the the extra dough. I’m all for some kids getting some better Christmas gifts. I’m not heartless. Thing is, though, we don’t really need it.
I’m not saying we’re wealthy or anything, far from it. But, at the moment, we’re comfortable. We can pay our bills and buy food and put gas in our car without having to think twice about how much money is in our checking account. We even go out to eat and shop on occasion. While we’re not content, we’re happy, and that counts for something. Some people are not so lucky.
So, I want to donate, if not all, at least a significant portion of the money we got $100-150 or so, to a charity. Thing is, I don’t really know much about charities. I’ve volunteered a few times, but on the whole, I’m pretty bad at getting involved. I’d like to do more, but my selfishness often doesn’t allow me. I admit this. So, I want to donate this money to do what I cannot seem to make myself do as often as I should, hel people in need. But I need some direction.
Backing on the hope that at least some of our readers are more generous with their time than I am, I’m asking you to help me with some suggestions. If you happen to know of (or even work for) a charity that you think could really use some extra cash, I’d like you to let me know. I know that $100 isn’t going to change the world, but it couldn’t hurt. So, again, if you have any ideas, please leave a comment with a name or contact information for a charity or two. I’d really appreciate the help.
Oh, and if you know of one that is local to the Portland, Oregon area, or Oregon in general, even better. The state gave me this money, it’d be nice to re-direct it within the state.
Nate is pretty sure Mark Twain said it best, "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place."
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i recommend that, whatever charity you DO choose, donate through your place of business, since most companies have a policy of matching associates dollar for dollar on their donations. unless you’re self-employed, in which case i should inform you that your business has a 50% chance of going under within the year; on the bright side, that’s better odds than your marriage…
Can’t. I work for a small company that doesn’t even offer a 401(k). We may decide to wait until after my wife gets a job a Nike to donate, since they’ll do just that. Thanks for the advice.
Also, I’d say that my marriage has significantly better than 50% odds.
hey, the stats are just stats, right? and snark is just snark…
my pet charity is doctors without borders; it’s a good outfit, and is responsible for some amazing work around the world. KEXP is another favorite, but seattle public radio probably isn’t going to twist yer tit the right way.
in the meantime, you could start here:
http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/OR/Portland.html
I’m already a KEXP member, as a matter of fact. Both my wife and I are. I listen to John in the Morning every day, usually followed by a little mid-day show with Cheryl.
[...] decided what to do with the money I got back from the state. I’m going to give it to actual people. In person, [...]
[...] decided what to do with the money I got back from the state. I’m going to give it to actual people. In person, [...]