There is always someone who is in dire need of assistance. Helping them enables us to connect with other human beings and to rediscover the good in humanity. Charity benefits not only the recipient of aid but also the giver, and in more ways than one.

First, charity makes you feel good about yourself, and this is backed by science. In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, participants were each given $100. Those who chose to donate the $100 activated their brains’ feel-good centers much more so than those who chose to spend the money on themselves.

Secondly, charity enables you to give more meaning to your life.

Charity exposes you to inspiring people and to new causes which positively impact your community and the world. This can be invigorating and motivating, giving you a greater clarity of purpose, and with the benefit of making the community around you a better place to live.

Charitable giving translates to tax savings. In the United States, charitable contributions are tax deductible by up to 50 percent of one’s income. These tax benefits extend beyond mere cash donations to also include non-monetary donations to IRS-approved charities. These donations can include foodstuffs, clothing, books, toys, and vehicles.

Read the source article at medium.com