On September 5, 1997, Mother Theresa, often seen as one of the most giving persons in our modern world, went on to her heavenly reward. At 87 years old, she had dedicated nearly 70 years to helping the poor and destitute. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In 2012, when the United Nations decided to establish the International Day of Charity, it seemed fitting to dedicate the fifth of September in her memory.

Today marks the eleventh consecutive commemoration of the International Day of Charity. The United Nations encourages citizens of all their member states, companies and organizations and individuals to celebrate this date.

The day honors the people and organizations that operate all year round to provide food, shelter, supplies, and more to those in need, and the marking of the day is intended to inspire more acts of charity, through education and public awareness.

Doing Your Part

While charitable organizations can always use an influx of cash, that is not the only way you can give of yourself. It is said we should give of our time, talent and treasure.

That might mean donating your time to a charitable organization such as helping pack lunches for the homeless, or backpacks for underprivileged school children. You might volunteer at a food kitchen, or with Habitat for Humanity, building a home, or rebuilding after an event like Hurricane Ian.

You can perform or even attend an event of music, poetry or comedy, where the proceeds go to charity. But that’s only one way to see talent. Some people are gifted with the talent of organizational skills or business savvy.

Often charities are started or staffed by people who are great at caring, but may lack clerical or managerial skills needed to keep up with the paperwork, accounting, or necessary regulations. Someone who can come in a few hours a month can be far more valuable than dropping a check in the mail.

You can also donate previously loved and now unused items, like books, DVDs, toys, music, clothes or even vehicles to charities like The Salvation Army or Goodwill. Some donations are used for those in need, some are sold to give money and jobs to the disadvantaged. You can also shop at those retail locations and save money while helping out.

Finally, you can do your part to spread the word about giving, charitable organizations and how you were blessed when you gave back, encouraging others to do the same.

Doing Our Part

At Good News Pest Solutions, we see helping those in need not just as a civic duty – although it is that too. Jesus Christ himself, and Yahweh God, through the prophet Isaiah, both talk in Scriptures about helping the poor, the hungry, the sick and the naked. Rebuilding homes and communities, giving water to the thirsty, and doing what we can for the least fortunate of these.

From our President down, we see ourselves as more than just a great pest control company or a nice place to work. We are constantly investing in ministries and participating in charitable works in and out of the office.

Giving back is very important to everyone, which is why we share a list of the groups across the Gulf Coast of Florida we support financially and with our time and talents. We hope that emboldens you to pick one or more places to help out in your community. We’d also love to pray for you. No matter how big or small the request is, we hope you’ll share it with us online or give us a call.