Iginio "Gene" Fontana is a regular monthly donor to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County. He has written articles for our affiliate and helps us by sharing his thoughts on donating to charitable causes during these tough economic times. Below is Gene's most recent submission. We appreciate Gene's generousity and thoughtfulness.

A few years ago, I bought a beautiful house. I bought it because it was beautiful. After I moved in, I began looking around and thought some areas would be better in another way. Double pane windows, shutters instead of blinds. And so on. The ideas kept coming. Why would I want to change this beautiful house? Because I wanted to make it mine, to create my own home. I wanted it to reflect me, who I am, what I think, what I like. I desired to make some one else’s building my home. We have all heard that home is where the heart is. However, with that heart is who we are. Our home is a part of ourselves.

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County goes one better. It starts from the beginning. The family whose house it will be contributes not only the money for the structure but also it shares its time in helping to build the house. It shares its skills, its ideas. It brings itself since it is to be its home. And sometimes the children help. They entrust to the house their own time, energy, talents, thoughts and views. Therefore, this inanimate building takes on the life of the family home.

An interesting addendum is that the contributors contribute too to themselves. They discover their own abilities; they use their talents. And they are justly proud of their use of the gifts God and nature have given them. For the youngsters, it means that they have the strength and capability to meet the world.

And all this is because the structure is not only a house but also a home..

If Gene's thoughts encourage you to donate to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, or like Gene, you wish to contribute to our cause monthly, click here to go directly to our On-line Donation page or visit the Donatation page on our Website to learn about all the ways you can help Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County.

Here is an earlier submission fom Gene, exploring his thoughts about donating to charities and why donating to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County makes sense to him:

Have you ever wondered why you are doing something since it’s been so long since you began doing it? I was asked why do I donate? After some reflection, I remembered. I am lucky: the world and my life have been good to me. The world, the community, all those groups within which I live. This includes my family, my friends, my neighbors, those I know, those I don’t know, those I meet on the street- the list rolls on. I am grateful for all the gifts of time, encouragement, support, again a long list.

So how do I show my thankfulness? Money? My biblical widow’s mite would not suffice. But by sharing with those groups and organizations which in turn do the sharing for me was my answer. These groups and organizations would be my spokesman for my thanksgiving. The final question would be, which one should I choose from the myriad of help groups? I chose Habitat for Humanity because it helps people help themselves. The future owners help build their own house; their ownership is in time and labor as well as money. And how about others? The community is invited to share in the work with their time, their talents and gifts, so that the whole community is able to give of themselves to others also.