[disneysteve]

I don't believe in tithing or being "required" to give X amount of my income to any particular charity. I think everyone who is able should help those less fortunate and it should be up to the individual to decide how much he is comfortable giving and where he would like his money to go. I hate when I hear about employers that require employees to give to United Way. I think that should be illegal. I also hate when I read of people who are struggling to pay their bills but they still tithe 10% of their income. You need to take care of your own needs and those of your family first. Only once that is done should you consider donating to help others.

I also think giving involves more than money. It might mean baking brownies for the church picnic. It might mean volunteering to help paint the local homeless shelter. It might mean answering the phone during the annual fund drive. Time is just as valuable as money. Charities need both dollars and manpower to function effectively.