In honor of American Red Cross month in March, Affinity4 decided to sponsor a blood drive for the local Red Cross. After speaking with a representative from our local chapter I realized that nearly all blood types for our region are currently at a low or critical level, so the timing for hosting a blood drive was perfect.
We publicized the drive throughout our entire office building and Affinity4 employees also encouraged their family and friends to participate. To give people even more incentive, Affinity4 also sponsored a raffle and gave away gift certificates to local restaurants and even an iPod Nano. After a lot of preparation, the blood drive took place this past Wednesday right in our building here in Norfolk, VA. Many people from our building and even other areas of Norfolk came to participate. There were several first time donors, which included some Affinity4 employees. Everyone was very pleased with the process and how smoothly things went, and many people expressed that they would be willing to donate again in the future.
The Red Cross was able to collect 31 pints of blood, which will help save up to 89 lives right here in our community. The drive was a huge success and we feel that we were really able to make an important contribution to our community and help others in need. All of the Red Cross volunteers were amazing; they were motivated, friendly and very appreciative of our efforts. This is definitely an activity I would like to do again and it is just another example of Affinity4 making a difference in the lives of others!
How often do you donate blood?
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Among many of the concerns over President Obama’s new tax proposals, one is the possible effect that these policies could have on charitable giving, which is already decreasing due to the tough economic climate. The specific proposal I’m referring to is a proposed limit on tax deductible donations for couples earning over $250,000 per year. Currently a $1,000 donation would save the tax payer $396, however, under this new proposed code, that savings would be decreased to $280. Although most people’s motivations for charitable giving are their passion for and commitment to the causes they support, this change in the tax code could still have enormous repercussions. Even if a small percentage of donors are affected, the decrease in donations nationwide could be in the billions, and the result could be the failure of many charities nationwide that are already struggling just to get by in this tough economy.
The Obama administration claims that these changes will only affect a small percentage of donors and will have little impact on donations nationwide. Most charity leaders agree that tax benefits are not the factor that motivates people to give, however, in this tough economy everyone is rethinking their spending including their charitable donations. This new policy would be just one more factor that could negatively impact giving. Even within President Obama’s own party there are many who do not support the proposed changes, including Finance Committee Chairman Baucus and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel. Representative Rangel even stated that he would never “want to adversely affect anything that is charitable or good.” ¹
In 2007 the total charitable donations for our nation reached $306 billion and individual gifts accounted for 75% of that amount. Most charities are already very concerned by the downturn in the economy and anything that could decrease their incoming donations is unwelcome news. I can only hope that our representatives will realize that the U.S. government should be encouraging rather than discouraging its citizens to be charitable and caring Americans.
¹ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29532885/page/2/
Do you believe that President Obama's proposed change in the tax code is a good move?
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Charities and those they serve are incredibly vulnerable right now! In tough economic times, people turn to their local charities for help in meeting basic human needs. But the increased demand for help is hitting charities at the same time that their own revenues are declining as a result of decreased giving during this economic crisis.
For many groups who rely on government funding, this could be a disastrous year financially. The states are taking longer to reimburse charities that provide contract services and the banks reducing access to or even withdrawing credit lines for these groups.
The reality is that Americans are cutting their spending left and right and many say entertainment and charitable giving are at the top of the list. Many charities are in for a rough year as a result. However, a recent survey by Wilson Research Strategies showed that faith-based organizations may fare better than other non-profits in terms of donations.
The survey confirmed that the biggest impact of the economy on household budgets has been a decrease in the amount of money spent on entertainment. Families have also had to cut back on short-term savings accounts (40 percent), retirement account deposits (33 percent) and their donations to nonprofit organizations (43 percent).
Data from the same survey however showed that although many are having to make cuts in donations, 81 percent of individuals who attend religious services more than once a week (about 27 million Americans) plan to give the same or more to charities. This group of individuals represents the main donor base for religious charities.
This survey’s results should bring a glimmer of hope to ministries and other charities who rely mainly on the donations of individuals and groups who support their mission. We know that it is a tough time to find the funds to help support your favorite charity, but remember as an Affinity4 customer you are already supporting your favorite charity through your Affinity4 service- without impacting your budget!
Will you be forced to reduce your charitable giving during these hard economic times?
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Dr. James Dobson, Founder and Chairman of the nationwide ministry Focus on the Family has stepped down as Chairman. The Board of Directors issued the following statement on this event; “One of Dr. Dobson’s objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry.”
Dr. Dobson will continue his radio broadcasts and other duties, but this change will decrease his administrative tasks. He will now serve as Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Focus on the Family, and his wife, who has also stepped down from the Board of Directors, will serve as Director Emireta. When commenting on this change, the Dobson’s mentioned that they looked forward to being able to focus on being grandparents.
Dr. Dobson was recently inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and is a well-known name throughout America and across the world. His ministry, Focus on the Family, reaches over 220 million people across the world. Their mission is serving, strengthening and defending families worldwide.
Lt. Gen. Patrick P. Caruana (USAF, Retired) will be taking over as Chairman of Focus on the Family. He has been a board member for over 10 years and Vice Chairman for the past two years. For more information on this new development click here.
From all of us at Affinity4 we would like to thank Dr. Dobson for all of his great work and wish him, Lt. Gen. Caruana, and the entire Focus on the Family organization the best of luck!
What are you looking forward to most in Focus on the Family's future?
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