Do you consider helping out people from the US before assisting others in another country?

Question

We hear about the adoption of children in Africa, China, and other countries from around the world by Americans, while the US has so many children in need of a caring family.

Besides adopting children, there are other great needs nationally and internationally. These needs include medical help, food, clean water, clothing, education, and the building of houses.

If you were given the opportunity to donate to a national or international cause, which would you gravitate toward?

Answer 1

I would help whoever needed it the most, I would not base it on a location. Overall, people in the U.S. are very blessed, even the poorest of us still have access to clean water at every corner. Orphans in the U.S. have access to foster homes, etc. Many other countries do not have this luxury (and yes...it is a luxury compared to what other countries have). I think we should all count our blessings and help those who need it most, not just those who are closer to home. By helping others we eventually help ourselves.

Answer 2

As much help as the rest of the world does need I am a firm believer in Charity Begins at Home, and in this instance "home" is our own country. There are so many children here in this country who rely on free school breakfasts and lunches and honestly- for some that's their only meals of the day. Medical costs, clothing expenses, I was appalled to find out how many families are uninsured medically. I'm not sure I would donate to a international charity, but I would consider calling the local schools each week or month and finding out which families are in need. The school offices generally know this information and are willing to be a go between often to help that particular family.

Answer 3

Yes I do consider helping the national cause first. You know why? Because there are alot of poor and very needy people right here and some people think most in the US are well off which is ignorance. I am not well-off and I see others who are worse off than I am.

Answer 4

A national cause and honestly I would give to a local cause before giving to a national cause. I like to know that the person I see on the street somewhere may have a better life because of me and my gifts.

Answer 5

I would hope that people would help their own country first before seeking outside their country. There is so much famine and need within the US that is being overlooked that yes while other countries do not have water and crop raising abilities....the same is here in Kentucky and like states

Answer 6

Somehow it just seems the right thing to do: to help one's own people before branching out into the world. I agree with helping those in need everywhere when possible--but in the area in which I work (mental health)--I know there are many Americans (children, the elderly) who need help.

Answer 7

No! if I had $1 billion I would go to the North Pole and feed the Polar Bears so that the National Geographic will take pictures of me doing it.

Answer 8

I would help out locally first. I would also want to know how much of my contribution is being used for the intended purpose versus funds collected and used for administrative expenses and supplies.

Keep it in the USA.

Answer 9

I will always help and support the U.S. ...
And other countries...
if I were given the opportunity to donate . I would donate to
the most needed..

Answer 10

The United States is all about equality. Equality is for everyone, not just Americans, so we should help other countries as we would help our own.