Charity sucks.

Often the problem with charity is that it disregards the recipient’s dignity and worth. A system that perpetually gives to someone who has the capacity to give back,but does not ask them to so, fundamentally communicates a lack of equality and widens the gap of those who “have” and those who “have not.” Everyone has something of value to give, whether it be time, money, wisdom, or help. Here in my neck of Texas, we affirm this in little ways…like selling 800 pairs of brand new shoes for $5 a pair to help struggling families with back-to-school expenses. What makes this a little sweeter is that the families buying the shoes know that the money they spend is going to a non-profit that benefits the children and schools in their neighborhood.

It’s help, not charity.

It’s turning recipients into participants.