The Luxury of Giving

One of my favorite quotes is by George Elliot and says, "One must be poor to know the luxury of giving." While talking with our Youth of the Year today, I was reminded of this quote and suddenly understood a whole new dimension of the work we do here at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Kinyatta was excitedly telling me about her family outing the night before. Thanks to the generosity of ArcelorMittal, a founding supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, we had a suite  at the WWE wrestling event. Kinyatta was given four tickets and could not believe her luck! Her younger brother, as it happens, has a birthday next week and has been talking non-stop about wanting to see the wrestling show. She was beaming from ear to ear, talking about how great she felt knowing that she could provide her brother with the one thing he truly wanted for his birthday. She went to the event with her mother and two brothers and they had an amazing time. Her brother told her all about the different wrestlers and gave her a play-by-play of each match. It was an experience they will all probably cherish for years to come.

It was while hearing her story that I realized the Boys & Girls Club provides so much more than just a safe place with hot meals and one-on-one tutoring. We are giving our kids so much more than just a basketball court and art classes. Sure, all of these things are a very important part of our work; but giving our kids the opportunity to GIVE to others is also a precious gift. Whether we are able to provide tickets to sporting events so kids can give their families a fun night out, or we are able to build them up through encouraging words so that they have the confidence to help others...we are showing them that most priceless of luxuries.

I have met so many of our members that have truly generous hearts. Despite living in conditions many of us could only imagine, they feel lucky. They have seen others give to make their lives better, and to be able to pay that forward to someone else gives them the greatest sense of accomplishment. I have seen older members take time out of a pool game to talk to a younger kid who seems upset. I have seen one child work diligently on a birthday card for another member. I have seen a hungry child share his meal with someone who seemed even hungrier.  These things may seem trivial, but they are teaching our children that giving back is something we can all do for one another.

While I am sure the wealthier among us feel great when they have been able to help others, I agree with George Elliot; understanding what a luxury it can be to give is something only those who have been in need can probably genuinely comprehend.