How I Learned to Give

The people, places, things, and events that first inspired our belief in the power of generosity.

I feel that a portion of my good fortune and the results of my efforts should be shared. I do this through donations and volunteering when time allows...At the bottom of it, I am attempting to practice almsgiving. -- Tony Knaus, Bethel Park, PA, CAP supporter since 1988.

Where did I first learn to give? I learned about the importance of giving as a student at Berea College, a private, liberal arts college in Kentucky that admits financially needy students and charges no tuition. Without the generosity of thousands of strangers, whose donations built the endowment that makes Berea’s historic “no tuition” policy possible, I could not have attended college. God has been good to me, and I try to “pay it forward” every day.-- Susie Hillard Bullock, Lexington, KY, CAP Senior Development Officer.

I was taught to give and make this a habit as a child when I would place my one dollar bill in the offering plate each week. But, it wasn’t until I was older, as a young adult, when I made the choice to write checks that were a true sacrifice that I began to learn the freedom and inner joy that comes with giving. I think these small steps led me to consider and ultimately choose to leave my job and do a year of service. That forever changed my life and my perspective on the central place giving should have in my life.-- Jenny King, Mt. Vernon, KY, CAP

I’m just glad to help. I was born in Covington, KY, and traveled for 27 years throughout the Appalachian region covering Harlan and Hazard and other communities. So I know what it’s like in those coal mining areas. I just want to help for as long as I can help. Of course I’m not getting any younger!-- Clarence Harden, West Columbia, SC, CAP supporter since 2000

How did YOU learn to give? Share your stories of the people, places, things, and events that first inspired YOUR belief in the power of generosity by writing to The Mountain Spirit, Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555 or by emailing Clay Lester at clester@chrisapp.org. We may use your response in an upcoming issue.