GIVING: Try the 'One Day' policy with local charities

Hearing of Lake City Church’s “One Day” of giving being pegged at “… the amount each parishioner earned in one day,” my mind recalled a similar “one day of salary” being used as a benchmark.

Samuel Colt died a multimillionaire at age 46 having established one of America’s most iconic businesses, which still exists. The 1873 Colt Peacemaker was initially priced at $17, which meant the Company’s goal that the gun’s cost be that of, “one day’s salary of the common laborer” was achieved. The story may well be apocryphal, so the author of this letter wishes to make no further connection between an arms manufacturer and a church.

What I wish to connect is how amazingly openhearted the citizens of North Idaho are, and the large number of local “not for profit charites” such as St. “Vinnies,” The Kroc, Newby-ginnings, Giving Tuesdays, Boys and Girls Club and many more which are located here.

My point is that most of us could find some local organization that needs money to fund what we love — whether it be a museum, a group that strives to protect our stunning outdoors, veterans, the homeless or any one of the numerous marvelous local charities. One day of giving of our one day of income per year could be a reasonable goal for most of us.

I am using the word “local” for a purpose — “Charity Begins at Home.” And recall, your gift is tax-deductible if the organization is properly registered with the IRS. Also, giving locally reduces the overhead by making more money available to support the administrative costs of the recipient charity.

“God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:6-7

DICK SHELDON

Coeur d’Alene