meaning - What should be the proper term when someone wants to "give back" to the community


I recently asked this question on Programmers.SE:



Ways to use your skills as a developer to give back to the community/charities.



You hear a lot about "giving back", but is it really what should be used? I got the following comment on my question that spurred some thoughts:



Hate the term "give back". To "give back" means that you took something in the start. "Donation", "Endowment", "Charity" are much better descriptors.



Is "giving back" correct when:



  • I was originally given the same thing? (they gave me a can of food, and I give back the can of food later on in life)

  • I was originally given something different? (they give me a can of food, I build them a website later in life)

  • I was never given anything? (they give me nothing, I build them a website)




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