That’s the advice James’ church gave him well over 10 years ago. He said, “the only time we’re told to test God (Malachi 3:10) is by giving…and expecting to be rewarded.” And since applying that advice to his life, James has been profoundly and otherwise inexplicably rewarded both financially and spiritually.
“I give because I feel selfishness is self-injurious and unselfishness is good for the soul, so I do it for selfish reason” James quipped.
James is one of over 2,000 monthly donors to SVdP who give monthly because it’s an easy, automated process. James’ donation is deducted each month from his bank account, and he knows that money goes directly to serve people in need.
He first became aware of SVdP’s service in the community when he drove by the Mesa Dining Room, inquired about its services, and found out that all were welcome to a free meal there. Subsequently, James heard about SVdP’s Central Food Bank and reputation for helping our most vulnerable throughout metro Phoenix.
As a paramedic, James frequently engages with our most vulnerable. “Vulnerable people are appreciative of our efforts and worthy of consideration as part of our human family,” he said. He went further to say during his interactions, recipients of help have usually matched the level of respect shown to them.
When he was considering where to give, he thought about SVdP and did some research into the organization’s finances and reputation.
“Before giving, I researched SVdP’s program percentage and was impressed with SVdP’s 97%/4-star rating by Charity Navigator,” James said.
Another reason James felt compelled to give to not only SVdP, but other local and national charities as well, is his belief that all people are equally precious in the eyes of God.
Being a monthly donor is easy, and it makes a huge difference for SVdP. SVdP’s monthly sustainer program, called the Cornerstone Circle, helps ensure that the organization has stable support for its vital programs.
“Every day, we see people who need help,” Donna Rodgers, SVdP’s manager of the monthly donor program, said. “Thanks to our monthly donors, we know we will have the resources to help the. We count on their consistent support which is why we refer to them as our ‘Cornerstone Circle.’”
