For the past month, we have all been wondering how to help in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Many of us have donated our money and time to the relief efforts, and we all noticed something: It made us feel good. It felt good to know that we could help, that we could somehow lessen the effects of the trauma by aiding others.
Now that September and October have come and gone, the Red Cross has peaked $1 billion in donated funds, and we've been left wondering, "What can I do now?"
On Friday, The Daily Tar Heel ran an editorial cartoon that portrayed the Sept. 11 relief charities as the "big fish in the pond," with other worthy causes suffering due to lack of donations.
This week, the Campus Y would like to extend a challenge to everyone at Carolina: Don't let that good feeling pass.
Continue, throughout November and December and every other month of the year, to give your time and money to those who need it, especially those organizations who are in difficult positions now.
Remember the groups that you have always supported, whether they're working for better child labor laws, HIV/AIDS research, or the improvement of race relations. And to the organizations, it's time to start fund raising again.
We must not let our causes suffer by feeling guilty about asking for help.
Take advantage of this newly-discovered philanthropic streak that has swept America.
Put the able minds, bodies, and wallets to good use.
