View Feedback | Send this Article | Published 2/07/03

Graphic By: Baudi Ratcliffe-Hollins

Every day I bust my hump trying to get an education to better my chances for that dream job. Every night I go to a so-so job that just doesn't cut it, but that's what happens when you're in school.

I'm not lazy or frivolous, but I still can't make ends meet. I used to worry about paying the gas bill on time or buying new clothes sometimes so people on campus didn't look at me weird. These days I worry about gas money to drive to school or money to buy groceries with. I'd hoped that if it ever happened to get this bad there would be some type of government program to help me. I can't find one.

If I were a recovering addict or a young single mom, there would be an abundance of financial assistance available to me. I thought no one cared about middle-class Americans who occasionally fell short financially. I was wrong. Last weekend I discovered modestneeds.org, a charitable site specifically designed to help people like me when things get tight.

Keith Taylor is an average guy with an annual income of about $35,000. Since he believed people who work hard could get behind sometimes deserve help, he donates $500 a month to this organization. People can file requests for assistance online. This money can go towards rent, payment of a utility bill, clothing, car repair, or whatever. The requests are reviewed, and some individuals receive assistance. The program has grown substantially since its beginning due to Taylor and other charitable givers.

Related Articles & Links
www.modestneeds.org

Personally I filed for money to buy food. I don't even care if they help me now. I feel better knowing that someone understands that hard-working people need a helping hand sometimes. I also realize that I may not receive assistance, but someone like me will.

I cannot describe all the positive feelings that surged through my body when I discovered this organization. I realize that there are plenty of people who care, and I am so proud of these people. In a few years when my college degree has paid off and I've secured my small fortune, I plan to go back to modestneeds.org and donate.