My afternoon today went something like this:

12:30 PM – Eat lunch (leftover cashew chicken and string beans w/ Pad Thai noodles from Osha Express)

1:30 PM – Finish up some outstanding work

4:45 PM – Head home for the weekend

I got off the bus and walked straight into my go-to liquor store and bought a couple six-packs of beer for the weekend (Racer 5 IPA for the win).

I’m currently in my living room drinking said beer, watching NBA Countdown, and looking forward to a relaxing, but productive, weekend ahead.

On the bus ride home, I read a myriad of Twitter posts to pass the time, many of which touched on those affected by Hurricane Sandy in the greater New York / New Jersey metro area.  This article particularly pulled at my heart strings.  I spent a lot of time reflecting on my situation today compared to those still without power, without heat, or without a home.  I can’t begin to comprehend what they are going through, but they are definitely in my thoughts, and I hope things get much better for them very soon.

As nice as it is to send my thoughts to those in need, you know what would be even cooler?  What if I donated some money to the cause?  Would my donation make a huge difference?  On its own, no.  But does that mean I shouldn’t try?  I think the answer is a definitive ‘no’.

I may not be “balling”, so to speak, but here’s what I know for sure:

1. I have a solid job that pays decent money and affords me the luxury to leave work at 4:45 PM on a Friday and buy a couple six packs of beer.
2. I live in (arguably) the most beautiful city in America, which is currently unaffected by any kind of natural disaster.
3. I can’t directly help those affected by Sandy with actions, but I am willing and able to help out.

Given the above, I have decided to make a donation to this Indiegogo campaign (referenced in the article above) in order to help support victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Not only is the campaign itself moving, but the idea of crowd-funding (a la Indiegogo and Kickstarter) is great in that it allows a large number of people to make a large impact, even while sacrificing very little in terms of time and/or money.

For what it’s worth, I think donating some money to support causes that I believe in is an important part of who I am.  It allows me to help out and feel a part of something much bigger than myself, even if I’m not making extraordinary, life-changing contributions.  I’m not saying I’m going to donate half of my paycheck or anything, but if I can get off the bus and drop $20 on beer on a Friday after work, I can certainly thrown down a little bit to help those who can’t.