We all want to give to others, and many of us feel that spirit during the holidays.
However, it is important to have that spirit of giving all throughout the year. Even if your wallet is strained, here are five ways to remain charitable while still staying within budget.
- Donate
- Organize
- Ask for Gift Donations
- Be Mindful of Where You Shop
- Run, Walk, or Jog for a Cause
If you are wondering how you can continue contributing and remaining charitable, even in the post-holiday panic, read on and learn more about donating, volunteering, organizing, giving, thinking, and participating.
Donate
Volunteering is the most common way to donate after the holidays. Money is helpful, but most charities also need help.
Donate your time or your skills to a local charity. You can also donate your blood or things you no longer need.
These kinds of donations do not cost you anything, and they give you that warm feeling that comes with helping others.
Donate Your Time
Volunteer your time to help others. Whether they need someone to help organize a fundraiser, plant trees, or collect donation items, volunteering is the key to charity. Without volunteers, most charities would not survive as they cannot afford to pay people to do the work.
https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/do-good-15-ways-to-volunteer
You can volunteer your time in numerous ways.
- First, decide what you are most passionate about.
- Second, find out what charities and organizations are around you.
- Third, find out what help they need.
- Finally, offer your assistance. Even a few hours here or there can help.
Donate Your Skills
Suppose you have a particular skill. Donate your time and talents to help a charity or organization. Are you an excellent planner or organizer? Do you have skills for sorting and categorizing things? A people person? Whatever you are good at, find a way to volunteer those skills.
Donate Your Blood
One thing you can do throughout the year is donating blood. There is always a blood shortage, and they always need new donations. All it takes is an hour or two, and you have helped someone in need.
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/wonderful-charitable-ways-2501927
Donate Your Stuff
If you have extra stuff lying around that you are not using, it might be time to consider whether that stuff is necessary. Donate your time and spend a day or two sorting your things. What do you use, and what don’t you use?
Is there anything you can get rid of and not miss? Are there any clothes that are in good condition but don’t fit? What about shoes? Do you have any kitchen gadgets or electronics that you no longer use?
If you no longer use it, like it, or can wear it, let it go to someone in need. Someone somewhere will be delighted to find that special something.
Organize an Event
Another way to remain charitable is to organize a charitable event. Whether you decide to schedule a fundraiser or a food or clothing drive, you can help out. Moreover, if you don’t have the money to donate, the time to volunteer, or anything you can contribute your own, then take the time to organize your friends, family, and coworkers.
Organize a Drive
Organize a drive for food, clothing, toys, books, or anything else someone might need.
Call all your friends and family and let them know what you are doing. Talk to your coworkers and post on social media. You will be surprised by how much support you can get.
You can set a specific day or time for people to drop things off at the donation center. Or you can have everyone bring something to you, and you can make the drop-off.
Organize a Fundraiser
Maybe you do not have the money to donate. Perhaps you know people who do. Why not organize and host a fundraiser? Ask your friends, coworkers, and family to invite people to your fundraiser.
Anyone who cannot offer money may help by providing food, entertainment, or things to sell at the fundraiser. Organize some friends and see what you can raise. Even kids as young as seven have earned money lemonade of sale and then donated it. You can do it as well!
Ask for Gift Donations
You can ask people you know to give donations in your name. Tell them you do not want anything more than a card for your birthday or special holidays.
You want that card and a donation to your favorite charity. Additionally, make sure they know what your favorite charity is before they donate.
Be Mindful Where You Shop
Some places offer donations for each item you buy. For instance, some sock stores and companies donate a pair of socks for every pair purchased.
Try to do as much shopping at places that donate when you shop. If you have Amazon, make sure to sign up for Amazon Smile, which donates a certain amount for each purchase.
Run, Walk, or Jog for a Cause
Participate in a run, walk, or jog for a cause. Breast Cancer, Cancer, Aids, and many more health conditions have annual fundraisers and events where you can help by participating in the run, walk, jog part of the event. Every year, the American Cancer Society organizes walks for different types of cancer.
Final Thoughts
However you decide to help, no matter how little or how small your effort may seem, it is helping, and it is appreciated. Just because you cannot give money does not mean you cannot support a cause that is near and dear to your heart.
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