DO'S

1.    Focus on meeting needs
When it comes to donating, most tend to gather whatever they don’t want anymore and pass it on to the less fortunate. However, it would do well to ask ourselves what are the needs of the less fortunate and try and meet those needs. For the things that are of no use to us anymore, there are recycling centers that would pay for your goods.

2.    Have the intention to bless
Anyone can give. The magic, however, is in the intention. So this Deepavali, when you give to the less fortunate, hold the intention that whatever that you are donating will be a blessing to those who receives.

3.    Quality Over Quantity
It is a noble intention to want to meet everyone’s needs.  However, quality always triumphs quantity.  So when you donate, pass on quality items. Even if you can only afford so little, those people who receive those items would be able to use them for the long run.

DON'TS

1.    Donate Expired/ Damaged Goods
Never donate expired foods and damaged goods or clothes. Always put yourself on the receiving end. How would you feel? Wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience would it?

2.    Give For Publicity/ Recognition
It is quite common for many to give and expect recognition and publicity in return. This is a practice that needs to stop.  There are other means to earn recognition and publicity. Donating to the less fortunate is not one of them. We would all do well to remember that as humans it is our duty to take care of each other. 

3.    Expect Something In Return
In fact, when giving never expect anything in return. Be it material, monetary or any form of abstract compensation. When giving, give with a pure heart as life is full of ups and downs and we will never know when the tables will get turned.

Do you have any other thoughts to add when it comes to giving to a greater cause? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to RAAGA!