Charitable GivingThrough History

In this lesson we will be exploring how charities have supported people

through difficult times.

The word Charity comes from the Latin word Caritas meaning ‘loving kindness through giving’.

In Ancient Greece beggars were accepted as an inevitable nuisance. As part of their dress they wore ‘scrips’ (wallets) in which they carried away the food they received.

Because of its shape, this Ancient Greek drinking vessel could not be set down until it had been drained of its contents.

Later, in Ancient Rome, the poor carried away portions of food in ‘sporlula’ (baskets) from their patron’s dinner.

Wealthy Romans tried to serve food that was unusual, for example peacock tongues. Recipes might involve stuffing a chicken inside a duck, then the duck inside a goose, then the goose inside a pig, then the pig inside a cow, and cooking the whole thing together.

Charities in America

18th Century

• 1736 Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer firehouse.

• Most early volunteers found their assignments through their church or another private sector.

YMCA

• Founded 1844 • George Williams

American Red Cross

• Founded May 21, 1881 • Clara Burton

The United Way

• Founded 1887– Rev. Myron W. Reed, – Msgr. William J.O’Ryan– Dean H. Martyn Hart– Rabbi William S. Friedman

20th Century

• Volunteers begin to find assignments through organizations.

Rotary Club

Established 1910

Lion’s Club

Established 1917

Where Charities Have Focused

• 20th Century– 1930s – Environmentalism– 1960s – Poverty, Inequality, Violence

• 21st Century– Green Living– Animal welfare – Natural Disaster Relief

At the end of 2010 there were 1,014,816 charities registered in

the United States.

Millions of dollars are raised each year.

The money is raised through:

oFundraisingoDonations

• Some charities also receive grants from the government.

TV reports and events like ‘Live Aid’ have made people aware of international causes, which together receive more money than any other category of charity.

How can you contribute to or participate in a

charity?

Good Deeds Give You Super Powers

Harvard Study

Study claims people feel stronger and have greater willpower after donating something

How you behave affects how you see yourself, which then influences your subsequent behavior.