A Worthy Cause – Supporting StoryCorps

Now I know I normally share tips on how to save as much money as possible. Today I’m going to do something a little different; I’m going to recommend spending money. But don’t worry, it’s not money wasted. Quite the opposite for I’m recommending a donation to a worthy cause. Charity donations are often the best bargains there are. When you contribute to a charity you are helping to make the world a better place. I can’t think of a better deal than that.

So what worthy cause am I promoting today? It’s StoryCorps one of my favorite charities. StoryCorps is a non profit that is creating an oral history of America. They do this by offering free interview sessions for anyone who wants to tell a story. They do this through permanent recording booths in New York and San Francisco, a temporary booth in Atlanta, and mobile booths that travel throughout the country. If you can’t make it to one of those, they also have at home kits they will send to you (these do have a rental fee). Anyone who participates is given the opportunity to tell their story – either through an interview with a loved one or a member of the StoryCorps staff. Each participant then receives a cd copy of their interview. A second recording in placed in an archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. This way the history of America will be preserved in the best way possible – through the voice of it’s people.

I have loved StoryCorps for years, ever since a friend of mine gave me the cd collection Listening is An Act of Love. When I first heard it I laughed, I cried, and I especially wished I had received it a bit earlier. My grandma had recently passed away and I would have loved to record her story. She was an incredible woman and one of the greatest storytellers I know. Since I missed my opportunity I want to ensure that others don’t. So I donate to StoryCorps and spread their gospel to anyone who will listen.

I decided to write about it today because I received an e-mail regarding their latest fundraising effort – the September 11th Initiative. As we all know, the 10th anniversary is coming up. I know many of you will be trying to find ways to commemorate it. I highly recommend a donation to StoryCorps as a way to honor those who were lost. Since 2005 they have been recording interviews with those directly impacted by this tragedy. Their ultimate goal is to tell a story for every life that was lost in order that they will never be forgotten. Can you think of a worthier effort? I’m hard pressed to find one.

Here’s an example of one of the stories. You might want to grab a tissue as it’s very emotional.

Please donate to StoryCorps to allow them to continue this very worthy effort. It truly is the best bargain you can get.

And to end on a lighter note, here’s a cartoon based on one of their recordings.

No More Questions! from StoryCorps on Vimeo.