【推荐2】In 2010, a huge earthquake hit Haiti, causing the deaths of over a hundred thousand people and millions of dollars’ worth of damage.    1    On this occasion, funds were raised with amazing speed--within a week of the quake, the American Red Cross had raised $22 million. The reason? People were donating via their mobile phones.

    2     Gone are the days when people donated door by door. In today’s world of computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, charities can now reach more people than ever before.

Social media in particular has had a great impact on charity.    3     This enables charities to raise money extremely quickly, as in Haiti. And the quicker aid can be delivered, the more lives can be saved. Individual fundraising has also benefited. Most people are now so well-connected through sites like Facebook that asking people to contribute to your chosen cause is easier than ever.

New, innovative ways of donating are being thought up all the time. For example, if you want to support a good cause and keep fit at the same time, you can use an app called Charity Miles.    4     For every kilometer you cover, the app’s sponsors will make a donation to a charity of your choice. There’s also Snapdonate, which allows users to donate simply by taking a photo of a charity’s logo with their smartphone. The app recognizes the logo and allows users to immediately make a donation through their phones. This cuts out the need for entering payment details on charity websites, and makes the process of donating small amounts to multiple charities much simpler.

Apps like these are growing in number, and that can only be a good thing.    5    

【推荐3】Micah’s House is a home trying to change generational cycles of poverty. We are not looking for a temporary fix or to giving these men some donations. We teach them skills most of us learned in our teen years.

·Mission:

Micah’s House equips young men who have aged out of foster care (寄养) or who are experiencing homelessness to find hope, identity and a place to belong.

·Services provided:

When a young man comes to live with us, he is provided with a private bedroom and everything from furniture, sheets and towels to food and clothes. We have weekly Thrive Nights where our guys are taught life skills. We invite members of the community to teach everything from sewing on a button to an overview of insurance to pet care and what it really involves to own a dog.

·Who is qualified?

Any young man, 18-25, who is experiencing homelessness.

·Where can you register?

Young men can fill out an application at http://www.micahshousenwa.org/program-application.

·What are your organization’s most pressing needs?

Covid-19 has forced us to cancel our two major fundraisers for 2020, so we are looking to fill an expected shortfall of about $50,000. Families in Northwest Arkansas that can commit to investing a monthly gift can visit our website (www.michashousenwa.org) or our Facebook page (Facebook.com/michashousenwa) to make a commitment to our community.

·Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization?

Our volunteers keep Micah’s House running! Volunteer opportunities range from providing a one-time meal to walking with a young man as a mentor (导师). Right now we need mentor families to come alongside our men and help create a community that these guys can turn to.

·What other ways may people help?

We always have one-time projects like hanging outdoor lights. Our most up-to-date volunteer opportunities can be found at MicahsHouseNWA.org/get-involved

·Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission?

I want to help create a community that I am proud to live in. These young men will become husbands, fathers, skilled tradesmen, businessmen and community members. I want them to have the same support and opportunities that my three children have. I believe they might be gaining these skills a little later than some, but I know they’re worthy of our investment.

【推荐1】India is an ancient civilization with rich cultural heritage, and its cultural heritage has something to do with all major religions(宗教) of the world. Here we take a look at some of the top heritage destinations in India.

Sun Temple, Konark

As the name suggests, this temple is all about the power of the sun God. A huge chariot (二轮战车) drawn by seven horses and twelve pairs of wheels show the importance which ancient people placed on the power of the sun. The pictures of animals and humans give this place a special look.

Churches Goa

Goa is the only Indian state which was controlled by the Portuguese (葡萄牙人), so the scene in Goa is dotted with (点缀着) Portuguese style churches. Some of the famous churches include the church of Saint Catherine, church of Saint Augustine and church of saint Francis of Assisi. These churches show beautiful paintings and flower designs which make them a must visit.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

These caves contain well designed paintings which are widely regarded as the most outstanding works of religious art.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Built on the bank of the Yamuna River, it is an excellent building. The writing and paintings on the outside structure provide the finest examples of the outstanding style of buildings.

Sanchi

Sanchi is a UNESCO world heritage site with numerous Buddhist temples dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries.

On your visit to India, be sure to visit some of these heritage destinations. An Indian journey is not wonderful without experiencing the beauty of these heritage destinations.