Over Memorial Day weekend, I was in Colorado celebrating my grandmother's 70th birthday and walking down Champa Street in downtown Denver when I stumbled across a parking meter. It wasn't an ordinary parking meter on the side of the street, rather it was right smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. It didn't have the flashing red light that said "empty," rather it was red all over. It did collect change — except not for the Denver Parking Division, but rather for Denver's Road Home, a nonprofit organization working to end homelessness. The organization has a mission similar to the Santa Fe Homeless Taskforce.

The idea of the parking meter was to encourage people to contribute to the homeless fund instead of a panhandler so that the roots of the homeless problem could be addressed. The parking meter and its mission really took me back and got me thinking about what our impact is when we do charity. We have all seen homeless people on the side of the street and on multiple occasions given in to the guilt-trip, opening our wallets and providing some money. But what does supporting a panhandler really accomplish?

Almost everybody is familiar with the adage, "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." But by doing "pity" charity we are simply feeding a man for a day. We are just addressing the surface of the problem by giving in to the panhandler. Yet, we can have a profound impact and actually help solve problems by taking thoughtful, calculated actions that have a real impact rather than one-on-one donations that cleanse our conscience. Examples of worthwhile charity include cooking at St. Elizabeth Shelter, running a lemonade stand to fundraise for Youth Shelters, or spending a night phone banking for the New Energy Economy on the environment.

So what I would ask is that this summer — without the pressure of homework, sports or school — you take a moment to think, plan and act on some sort of meaningful charity. Take a second like I did upon stumbling over that parking meter and think about exactly what your action or donation will accomplish and whether you are just giving a fish or teaching how to fish. Think about the impact you will have and what exactly you will contribute rather than whether or not you walk away feeling good for contributing. And remember, we the youth of Santa Fe really can make a positive difference.

Alex Wirth is enjoying summer. You can reach him at AlxWirth@gmail.com.