The Joy of Giving

Growing up in the struggling young state of Israel exposed me to the other side of giving. What do I mean by that? As a child I always enjoyed facilities in my small town that were built by American donors. We had a beautiful public library and center for performing arts that shaped many young minds including mine. Following my high school years , I joined the Israeli defense forces and served my home country for 2 years, there I enjoyed facilities that relieved me as a young soldier from the demanding day to day training. I remember one mobile social room that was donated by an American Donor. We used to gather there and relax, read books and play brain teaser games, just to forget the hard reality we had to deal with day to day. Here I am 20+ years later, I am on the other side of the world,  living and working in an American company, serving the American local community. I have the opportunity to be  ‘that donor’ who did something great for someone else.  I used to think that only rich people can make a difference but was proven so wrong.I learned that the act of giving and filling someone else's bucket from time to time fills mine instantly.  That is why I choose to donate part of my earning to the Intero foundation. Many think “how can my $100 change in the world?"  Probably not much! But when the $100 is multiplied by many more now we can make a difference, and help shape a young mind in our local community through a great educational program or help one disable child understand something that might be rather trivial for others but for that child is a whole mind opening experience. Here at Intero, I am blessed to be part of a group that serves their local community and supports the next generation at the same time. It is so evident that real happiness is not measured by belongings or assets but by our good deeds and the positive impact we have on our families and communities.

My mom used to tell me that my children will enjoy a good, healthy and successful life if I will be an honorable person and will conduct myself with integrity and diligence. When a good deed is done with a clean heart it always works. The Intero foundation is a living example for great people that want to do good from the most sincere place and that is something to be proud of!! Thank you Intero for allowing me to be part of something bigger than myself. The real magic is that as I give I always do so without expecting to get something good from someone else.

Best,

Dorit Alon