Financier Warren Buffett's pledge of more than $30 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for use in education in the United States and disease eradication in the Third World is a wonderful expression of concern and commitment to promoting the health of this and future generations.

Most of us do not have anywhere near the fortunes that Buffett or Bill and Melinda Gates possess. Just how can we contribute to making the world a healthier, better place?

The ability of the Gates and Buffett to think outside the box to solve a problem offers some ideas.

Most nonprofit, patient-oriented organizations (the Arthritis Foundation, the Lupus Foundation of America, the American Cancer Society) depend on volunteers to raise funds and awareness, and to provide patient services. Giving time to a health-related organization can be an excellent way to strengthen the life of the organization and those it serves.

Again, there are always those who, because of health reasons, are unable to get to Mass. Joining your parish outreach ministry or helping to start one can bring the church community to shut-ins and others who cannot get to Mass regularly, but who are still a vital part of the family of God.

Often organizations will have a "wish list" that specifies items they need, such as computers, printers or office furniture. To promote community giving, circulate the list to others and collect the items for one, big donation.

Of course, monetary contributions always are welcomed by health-related organizations. Sometimes, however, we might wonder if our money is making a difference. To make sure that your donation goes where it will be needed most, get to know the groups to which you give. Know their budgets, personnel, and plans for programs and growth. Earmark your contribution for a specific use ("patient education," "research," "overhead/administration").

In his recent news conference, Bill Gates said it was important for him to choose the right people to work in his corporation and in his foundation. We can learn from this example too.

The need is great for health professionals today and will be even greater in years to come. Doctors, nurses, researchers, and therapists who come from faith-based backgrounds can bring moral as well as scientific depth and expertise to their practices. Encouraging children and adults in our parishes to pursue the health sciences as a profession is an extremely important way to promote health, both physical and spiritual.

There are several tangible ways to do this.

---A health career fair at your local school or parish can spark others to explore education and employment possibilities in depth.

---A job-shadowing day at the local hospital can help define which area of the health care world someone would like to pursue.

---A mentor program with established health care practitioners from the parish or neighborhood can be an excellent way to bring up the next generation.

As I watched the press conference at which Buffett joined his donation with Bill and Melinda Gates' foundation, I was reminded of the story of the widow's mite in Mark. The wealthy in the temple were contributing large sums, but "one poor widow came and put in a few cents." Jesus told his disciples, "I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury" (12:41,43).

Sometimes we might think we don't have anything to give, especially when others contribute so much. But if we think outside the box, we can make significant contributions toward better health for ourselves and others.

Author Maureen Pratt writes from Los Angeles.