Spread the Warmth: Reasons to Give Back This Summer
Summertime is a great time to give to those in critical need.
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer emerges as the perfect season to spread warmth beyond the weather. While many associate this time of year with vacations and relaxation, it also presents a critical period for charitable organizations facing heightened demands. Hospitals, blood banks, and youth support programs require increased support, as do homeless and pet shelters during this time. By lending a helping hand, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need during these crucial months.
Children’s and Non-Profit Hospitals
During the summer, hospitals experience a significant increase in demand due to a rise in accidents and injuries. Warm weather and longer days encourage outdoor activities, leading to more sports-related injuries, heat-related illnesses, and incidents like swimming accidents and vehicular crashes. Additionally, the prevalence of seasonal allergies and respiratory issues can strain emergency departments. This surge in patient volume is particularly impactful for children's hospitals, which see a higher influx of young patients with injuries from playgrounds, camps, and other recreational activities.
Children's hospitals, such as Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, often require specialized equipment and additional staff trained to handle pediatric emergencies, making support during this time especially critical. Providing assistance ensures that these hospitals can maintain high-quality care, efficiently manage the influx, and offer essential services tailored to young patients. Charitable contributions can help children's hospitals cover the costs of additional medical supplies, support staff, and community health programs aimed at preventing summer-related health issues among children.
Blood Banks
During the summer months, blood banks experience a heightened demand for donations due to several factors. Increased travel and outdoor activities lead to a higher number of accidents and emergencies, which in turn increases the need for blood products. Additionally, summer vacations and holiday schedules often result in fewer regular blood donors, creating a temporary but significant shortfall in blood supplies. Seasonal events like barbecues, festivals, and sports games can also contribute to a decline in donation rates as potential donors are away or preoccupied.
San Diego Blood Bank Headquarters, one of 9 San Diego donation centers.
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of touring the main San Diego Blood Bank facility and discovering their impressive array of cutting-edge testing programs. I was truly inspired by the remarkable efforts they undertake to support hospitals across the San Diego area and beyond. The dedication and innovation demonstrated by the Blood Bank team are nothing short of extraordinary. They have nine donation centers across the Greater San Diego Area, including a temporary center in Clairemont Town Square, while the renovation of the permanent site is in progress, due to open in mid to late November.
Supporting blood banks during this time is essential to ensure that hospitals and medical facilities have a steady and sufficient supply of blood for those in critical need. Both charitable contributions and blood donations help maintain essential blood reserves, enabling blood banks to meet the increased demands of the season and save lives. Explore ways to give to the San Diego Blood Bank or contact a blood bank near you.
Youth Support Programs
During the summer, youth organizations face a unique set of challenges that make donations particularly valuable. With schools out of session, many of these organizations step up to provide essential programs and services that keep young people engaged, safe, and supported during the long break. Donations and volunteers during this season enable these groups to sustain their vital programs, cover operational costs, and expand their reach to meet the increased needs of young people.
By contributing in the summer, you play a crucial role in ensuring that these organizations can continue to provide meaningful experiences, critical resources, and positive impacts for youth throughout the break. While there are many youth organizations making an impact on our nation's youth, these are just a few to consider:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America provide one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth. These include long-term one on one mentoring, community based mentoring and school based mentoring programs and services, focusing on academic and social support.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America aim to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
provide after school programs, summer camps and youth development programs.
Junior Achievement focuses on equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for their future careers and financial well-being.
Young Lives is a division of the larger organization Young Life, but it focuses on helping young mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood while also addressing their spiritual, emotional, and practical needs. In 2021, about 10% of all babies born were born to teenage moms. Young Lives provides mentoring, life skills training, child care assistance, camps and retreats for this critical population.
These are just a few examples of the incredible organizations dedicated to inspiring and educating our youth. I encourage you to find one that resonates with you and consider offering your time or making a donation. Your support can make a profound difference in the lives of young people.
Homeless and Animal Shelters
Both homeless and animal shelters face heightened challenges during the summer, necessitating increased support. For homeless shelters, warmer weather can exacerbate health issues among residents, while also attracting a larger number of individuals seeking refuge from the heat. Additionally, many regular donors and volunteers take vacations, leading to a shortfall in resources and manpower. For example, the San Diego Rescue Mission and Father Joe's Villages provide essential services to the homeless population but require extra supplies and volunteers during these months to manage the increased demand.
Similarly, animal shelters experience a surge in intakes during the summer due to breeding cycles and the abandonment of pets by families traveling or moving. The San Diego Humane Society, a well-known animal shelter, often finds itself stretched thin, needing additional donations and volunteers to care for the influx of animals and ensure they receive proper medical care and housing. Supporting these shelters during the summer is crucial to help them meet the increased needs and continue providing vital services to both people and animals in the community.
As the sun graces our days with warmth and light, let our hearts radiate kindness during the summer months. When considering donations or volunteering for charities, keep these three powerful reasons in mind. First, it boosts your happiness. Benevolence isn’t just about helping others; it’s a gift to yourself. The joy that blooms from giving is like a sunflower in your soul, brightening even the cloudiest days.
Second, your contributions make a difference. Like ripples in a sun-kissed pond, your generosity creates waves of impact. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, make a one-time donation, or establish an ongoing legacy program, your donations and volunteer efforts matter. If you are considering establishing a legacy plan, please note that Client First Capital specializes in Charitable Giving Planning and is available to assist you. By giving your time or resources now, you become a beacon of hope, illuminating lives and supporting those in need. So, let the warmth of compassion guide you. Let the sun inspire your generosity, and watch as your impact grows brighter with each sunrise.