I don't know about you, but I recently received a bunch of letters from charitable organizations that help a variety of people who are needy in various ways.  I find myself overwhelmed as I try to decide which one, or ones, to help.  As you know, there are many ways that these solicitors try to encourage our giving, with gifts, a coin, a stamp, or greeting cards being included in the solicitation.  I'm sure that like me, some of you feel badly as you throw some of the solicitations away.  I say that it is Christ-like to have a heart that wants to help "everyone" in need.  The practical side of us, however, knows that is not possible for a number of reasons.  I would certainly recommend doing some digging and find out how much of each dollar contributed actually goes to the needy persons.  You might be surprised at how many people (who aren't so needy) are benefiting from your donation.  I must admit that while I might give some charities that come to my attention through the mail, something once a year, I feel compelled to give to Catholic Charities like Catholic Relief Services, the Christian Refugee Relief Fund (through KofC.org) as well as the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal and the once-a-month second collections we take up at church because I'm confident that most of my money does, in fact, go to the poor and others who are in need.  A generous heart that leads to a generous response will always be a blessing to both the receiver AND the giver.