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Fr. J. Ziliak Courier & Press article Saturday, Dec 18, 2004
A lady walks in with a basket full of fruit, breads, a huge ham and
trimmings. "There's another one I'll bring from the car."
A man walks in, peels off ten $100 bills and says, "This is for
food for the needy."
Another person looks for worthwhile causes to underwrite.
How many more stories are there? This newspaper has detailed families
and individuals who need help in various ways. One of those is being
followed up with legal help and adult supportive wisdom.
Many, many people are generous and willing to help when the cause
is known and is verifiably authentic.
We live in a very unusual time. More people have more money than ever
before in the history of our country.
While the major news is of intrigue, fraud, hatred, hostility, criminal
behavior and hate, the minor news is even more compelling. We are
a very generous and giving people.
CEO's, whatever the actual title may be, of charitable agencies and
organizations know that much of their time can be spent with creating
and nurturing relationships with those who are able to be financial
supporters of the mission of the group. Usually they discover that
they have to do their other tasks, and spend energy and time only
fitfully in seeking funding.
Those organizations that are able will create a department for development
or advancement. That person or persons spend time and energy in making
the case for the ministry or mission of the organization. They attempt
to match the needs with those who find joy in fulfilling those needs.
It is also a reality that individuals can receive tax deductions for
their generosity. Giving appreciated stocks to a charitable organization
can bring several benefits. The donor receives credit for the full
value of the stocks for the organization, and, in addition, does not
have to pay any capital gains tax on the appreciated stocks. Of course,
the organization receives the full amount of the stock value.
During the final days of 2004, a person may give a vehicle to a charitable
organization and be able to note the fair value of that vehicle as
a tax deduction. Starting Jan. 1, 2005, that option will be shut down.
The value of the vehicle will be the actual amount the charitable
group receives from the sale of the vehicle. If it is used by the
organization, then a better value may be used for tax purposes.
These things seem like strictly business matters and not at home with
charitable works. But not necessarily so. The issue is to marry people's
desire to do good with ways that promote furthering financial support.
In other words, allowing generosity to have some rewards.
The more that is done by people to people connections, the less is
placed as a demand on local or national government bodies. Most small
charitable organizations, local churches and the like, make far better
use of each dollar than large bureaucratic government bodies.
And that is the bottom line, namely, to have the funds go as far as
possible touching the needy directly and without loss of money.
May God bless those who respond with great generosity. Most do not
want publicity. They do it because God has blessed them, and they
wish to share with those whose needs are real. Often enough, people
who grew up with very little are very sensitive to those who are temporarily,
we pray, impoverished.
The impulse for giving comes from a God who looks after you and me.
Christians believe that the Son of God became one with us to redeem
us and bring us eternal salvation. We give thanks and praise today
and each day. Remember, God is with us!
Father Joseph L. Ziliak is pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church in Newburgh.
