Donating to Charity: Why We Give
May 10th, 2010 
Carol 
Americans gave a record amount to charity last year, with donations estimated to have topped $306 billion, exceeding $300 billion for the first time in history, according to Giving USA.
But people give more than money. They give time and effort as well. According to the Web site volunteeringinamerica.gov, more than 60 million of us performed 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service in 2007.
When it comes to philanthropic giving, many people choose to give to a local charity. But an increasing number of people have been reaching across their communities to give.
For instance, Michael Chille, a resident of upstate New York, became involved with the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta because of its compelling mission and close collaboration with other pediatric cancer research centers across the country.
“Being a father of two, I thought to myself that if this ever happened to one of my kids or a child that I knew, I would want this level of care,” he said.
For Bill and Donna Wilson of Superior, Colo., the decision to give to the Aflac Cancer Center was inspired by the memory of their nephew David L. Harris, Jr., who was treated there in 1994.
After the 9-year-old lost his battle with acute lymphocytic T-cell leukemia, David’s parents set up a fund in his memory to help other children and their families.
Similarly, 5-year-old Killian Owen battled cancer for four and a half years — nearly all his life. A sports fanatic, Killian refused to give up his beloved activities, even after the disease took its toll. One of his coaches was so moved by Killian’s bravery that he asked his team to make a donation to research at the Aflac Cancer Center instead of buying him a traditional end-of-season gift.
A year after Killian’s death, his parents began “Coaches Curing Kids’ Cancer.” Today, youth sports teams across the nation are making donations in their coaches’ names.
Getting Involved
Almost anyone can make a difference to a child battling cancer, whether on a national or local level. You could begin by contacting — and encouraging others to contact — a local pediatric cancer center or the Aflac Cancer Center. Then, find out what you can do to help. Moved by the spirit and determination of these brave youngsters, many make a donation or become more involved as a volunteer, serving these children and their families firsthand.For more information, visit www.aflaccancercenter.org.
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