Barbara (middle) smiles with St. Joseph’s Indian School employees as they discuss how IRA gifts help Lakota (Sioux) children thrive.
Barbara has never forgotten what it meant to grow up with the basics — food on the table, clothes to wear and people who cared about her.
Her family was not wealthy, but Barbara says she had a wonderful childhood. That experience shaped how she thinks about giving today and inspired her to help make sure other children have that same sense of security and support, particularly the Lakota (Sioux) children at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
“I wanted to give these wonderful children what I had growing up,” Barbara said. “The basics of food, clothing and people who care about them. I also believe in supporting the staff.”
Barbara, who lives in Massachusetts, first learned about St. Joseph’s Indian School through our mailings 10 years ago. As she read about the Lakota children and their needs, she felt called to become a supporter.
“Children need that support to be successful adults,” she said.
Over the years, Barbara has continued finding meaningful ways to support St. Joseph’s, including making charitable gifts through her Individual Retirement Account (IRA). She first learned about IRA giving through her investment advisor and quickly saw how well it fit with her own charitable goals.
“It just makes sense,” Barbara said. “I don’t need the money for food, clothing and a roof over my head, so I want to use it to help others.”
Giving through an IRA can be a meaningful way to support the causes closest to your heart while potentially reducing your tax burden. For individuals age 70½ and older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to make a gift directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. Your gift may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) and, because a QCD is generally excluded from taxable income, may help lower your overall taxable income. It’s a simple, tax-smart way to make your retirement savings go further while supporting the organizations and causes that mean the most to you.
For Barbara, giving is also an expression of gratitude. She sees it as a way to give thanks to the Lord for the blessings and success she has experienced in her own life.
Her father was also a major influence on her generous spirit.
“He was the most selfless person I knew,” Barbara said. “He helped people every day.”
That example continues to guide her today. Barbara believes giving year after year is important because the needs of Lakota children at St. Joseph’s Indian School do not disappear. She wants students at St. Joseph’s to be able to focus on learning, growing and building successful futures without having to worry about basic necessities.
After a decade of supporting St. Joseph’s, Barbara is proud of the role she has been able to play. When she thinks about the legacy of her giving, her hope is simple.
“I hope I played a small role in a young person’s success.”
Barbara also encourages others who are able to consider charitable giving through their IRAs.
“The organization is so well run, and they make the most of every penny,” she said. “Give them a chance!”
Learn more about IRA giving and other ways to give at stjo.org/plannedgiving today!
