Keepin’ it Real – A Year of Giving Adds Up

Dec 262011

Carlo participating in Movember. Just one of the 12 charities he focused on this year.

It’s easy to do something good for someone else. Easy for us to say, right? But let’s be serious; simple everyday acts of kindness can add up to a year of living up to being a better person and giving back to your fellow man. Or man’s best friend, depending upon where your interests lie.

Today’s Keepin’ it Real edition spotlights the efforts of one man named Carlo Lorenzo Garcia. At first glance, he’s your typical actor / artist / director. As if there is a typical outline for people with a title like that. But added to those monikers is probably his most important role – philanthropist.

In April of 2010 Carlo set out on a quest to donate to 365 charities in 365 days. He succeeded in his goal and while doing so he prompted others in his circle of friends and the online community watching his progress to donate over $40,000 to charities collectively. But he didn’t stop there. Carlo is currently on a mission to features 12 Charities in 12 months on his blog while working to raise funds and awareness to their causes.

Carlo proves in many ways that philanthropy works on a personal level. By reading his blog you learn that on some days he was able to give really big. In other ways he participated by growing a mustache and raising money by sponsorships.

Carlo’s challenge was a big one and a lot of us wouldn’t be able to do the same, but I’m positive that many of us would be able to emulate the idea of random acts of kindness, a monthly gift or helping your fellow man (or furry friend) on a regular basis to it becomes a lifetime habit.

Let’s hear it for Carlo! We can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2012!

Want some help with deciding how to give at the end of the year? Here are some donation tips!

Always verify the charity you wish to donate to. Do a little due diligence. If you are donating for tax purposes, please note that only 501(c)(3) organizations qualify to receive tax-deductible donations.
Request a receipt for your records.
Be skeptical of cash only requests.
Check their spending. You can do so by using site like Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and GuideStar.

Want to read more about how we like to give props to those who Keep it Real?

We see people who Keep it Real all the time, but we’d also like some nominations to come from you, our readers. We know you see examples of people helping others with no thought of reward EVERY DAY!

To send in a nomination for a Keepin’ it Real feature, please email kyd @ realtruck.com. Please send as much information as possible!