Giving to charity doesn’t just make a difference in the world—it can affect your own life as well. Whether you donate money to a religious organization or give your time to a local soup kitchen, contributing to the world beyond yourself has a wide-reaching impact. Find out how this experience will improve your life below. 

3 Reasons to Give to Charity

1. Strengthen Values

Giving to causes that you’re passionate about will help you define your values. There are many different types of charities you can participate in. Clean water, sufficient food, and adequate prenatal care are a handful of examples. There are also environmental causes, like rainforest preservation, and religious organizations. These donations will help you affirm your beliefs. 

2. Boost Mood

Knowing that you’re helping others is both fulfilling and empowering, which will help you feel happier. Furthermore, studies show that giving to charity activates the part of your brain that controls feelings of pleasure. If you’re daunted by the prospect, know that a charitable contribution doesn’t have to be enormous. For example, mosquito nets are helpful in combating malaria, and an insecticide-treated net that blocks out disease-carrying mosquitos costs just a few dollars.

3. Teach Children

Parents are always trying to teach their children to be kind and selfless as well as share with others. Making a charitable contribution allows you to serve as a role model. You can even incorporate your kids into the process; for instance, contribute to a religious organization as a family around the holidays. 

Dr. Michelle Corral founded Chesed International Charity in Yorba Linda, CA, in 2009 to make an impact in the world. The charity brings medical missions and provides money for water wells, disaster relief, orphan homes, daily feeding programs, refugee relief, medical supplies, clothing, food, education for the poorest of the poor and dental aid throughout the world. Learn more about the Christian author and minister’s religious organization and the work they do online. If you have any questions, give them a call at (714) 694-1100.