Philanthropy doesn't have to be an exercise in self-aggrandizement. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people help their local communities by giving food and cash anonymously. These generous strangers feed hundreds of men, women, and children, even though no one will ever know about their act of kindness.
Anonymous donors are an essential part of the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank's success. Some people drop off cash donations, while others order food from a nearby grocery store or farmers' market. It doesn't matter how much or how little they give. What matters is that they donate their time, their energy, and their hard-earned money to help strangers in need.
Nothing better embodies the spirit of charity than the generous stranger. Anonymous donors understand that their friends and neighbors need help, but they also understand that donating is an inherently selfless act. People don't contribute to
Manna because it's glorious or noble or impressive. They give because they believe it is the right thing to do. When you make an anonymous contribution, you walk away with the deep satisfaction of knowing that you have helped another fellow traveller on his or her journey through life. The feeling is more valuable than any public recognition.
