"When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." – Matthew - 6:3.

International Day of Charity is observed on Saturday, 5 September, on the death anniversary of Blessed Mother Teresa, the founder of the religious congregation, Missionaries of Charity.

The United Nations declared the date as the charity day during its general assembly in 2012 and the day was initially observed on 5 September 2013.

The primary aim of observing the day is to raise awareness and provide a common platform of charity for needy people across the world.

Check out some ways to help the needy on the 18th death anniversary of Mother Teresa:

  • Donations to poor homes

One way to help the needy is to clean up your wardrobe and donate your old belongings to people at poor homes, orphanages and old age homes. 

  • Take part in charity events in your locality
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44

Various programmes have been arranged in different parts of the world to help the needy on Charity day. As far as for Chennaites, a charity drive named #ChennaiGives has been arranged and people can donate things to the poor. All you need to do is pack all the stuff and inform Uber Chennai driver to pick up them. Get more details from HERE.

  • Help Victims of Natural disasters

Millions all around the globe suffer a lot due to natural disasters, ongoing wars and protests. Various fund-raising activities have been arranged to extend your help towards them.

  • Provide food to people 

Another weekend is here, you might plan for an outing with your friends or a dating with your love at an expensive restaurant; however, it would be great if you realise that even a slice of bread might feed a stomach. Most importantly, try not to waste your food, not just on this day, but every single day. Each time you enjoy your lavish life by wasting food and other resources, remember there a millions who are dying out of hunger.

  • Help in constructing homes/bathrooms for homeless people

For people, who are living in a home with all the facilities, spending a night in a street might be a nightmare. But the same street is the home for many and helping them to build a house would be one of the great things you can do in your life. 

  • React against child labour and sponsor a child

There are many poverty-stricken children, whose hands are not meant for begging. Just like all other children, they too dream of becoming great personalities. Sponsoring at least a child by giving proper education is something that every individual must do in life.

  • Blood donation and organ donation

Nobody needs to be given an explanation on the importance of blood and organ donation. It will cost you nothing, but will save a life or at times, many lives.

  • Spend time with people at old age homes

Apart from the donations you give, spending some time and sharing jokes with those old people at old age homes and orphanages will make them happy and will also make you feel better.

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