Where to Go When You Want to Give

While teaching yoga in New York City these days, at the end of class during our closing mantras, I’ve been asking my students to turn their attention to the destruction that has occurred in Myanmar and China. No matter your politics, there’s no denying that in Myanmar, a cyclone has taken the lives of, at last count, 134,000 according to Reuter’s leaving 2.5 million in desperate need of aid and in Chengdu, China, according to the International Herald Tribune, the death toll stands at 40,000 with thousands more missing — an entire town no longer exists.

But as spiritual beings, yogis and part of a bigger community called the Universe, of course our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost their lives or suffered through such devastation. It makes us think of our own lives and the fragility. But as we turn our attention to such horribleness, it’s only natural to think — what can I do? We’re all just small beings in this great big world, but collective prayer, positive thoughts and aid DO help. The issue is finding reputable aid and giving to organizations that are trustworthy and do what they say with the money they’re collecting. If you want to give and don’t know where to begin, Charity Navigator is THE place to go. Touted as “America’s Largest Charity Evaluator”, Charity Navigator is like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for charitable organizations. See Charity Navigator in the same way you’d review Consumer Report for a big ticket item.

Right now on Charity Navigator’s home page under “Hot Topic” China and Myanmar are front and center. So give responsibly, and know in giving, it’s not how much — it’s how many.

Written by: Michelle Barge