Editorial: Give a little

Thursday, March 1, 2007

As of 2005 Oprah has donated an estimated $253 million out of her own pocket, nearly 20 percent of her net worth. Most students can’t fathom 253 million of anything: textbooks purchases, 253 million potholes…nothing. While this donation is commendable, other celebrities making that kind of money should use their fame and fortune to give back to others.

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While most of us cannot control our income, we can control our legacy.

We should expect rock stars, athletes and actors to be socially accountable. Not all celebrities can be Bonos or Oprahs, but they can all do something. Even if they’re only donating time, fame and money for appearances, at least they are donating. Backing a good cause always offers more of a reason to admire that person. Perhaps backing Angelina Jolie for her work with the United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees can rub off and inspire not only a new hairstyle, but also a giving mood.

The average KU student can’t donate $253 million, nor can the average American, but we can donate our time. For those hardcore do-gooders there’s the Peace Corps. For those that care just as much but aren’t able to commit that kind of time, Lawrence has many local philanthropy groups for students to volunteer. You may not be a Super Bowl XLI champion like Tony Dungy, but you can volunteer as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dungy’s choice philanthropy project. Here in Lawrence (785-843-7359) the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization is always looking for volunteers to be a positive role model in the lives of kids. Most of us won’t have a television career like Zach Braff, but we can donate blood or clothing to the American Red Cross, his choice charity. The local branch of the American Red Cross (785-843-3550) always needs assistance in any form.

While most of us cannot control our income, we can control our legacy. We can’t choose what problems plague our world, or even our neighborhoods, but we can choose to do something about them. We may not have the bling, or the private jet, but comparatively, we can do just as much good as our favorite celebrities do, or should.

— Tasha Riggins for the editorial board.

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