There are numerous reasons to become more charitable. Not only will this benefit the organization and the community they serve, but it will also improve your mood, making you feel happier and more fulfilled.
Perhaps you are passionate about a particular cause and want to give back to your community. Maybe you are tired of all the negativity in the world and want to make the world a better place by introducing more positivity. Perhaps you’re just looking for something that will look good on your resume or a way to get a tax break with a tax deduction.
Whatever the reason, if you’ve been thinking about becoming a more charitable person, there are ways you can contribute to the betterment of lives and the environment! This does not have to be difficult or complicated. And it doesn’t always have to be expensive.
Here are seven easy ways to donate to a local charity in your spare time.
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Donate Blood and Other Items
Rather than throwing something away, consider whether those in need could use it. Unworn clothes, furniture, and old electronics could brighten someone’s day. Speak with local charities and thrift stores to see how your donated items can benefit them.
Many charities and nonprofits do not have the funds to purchase items such as kitchen supplies, office supplies, etc. Many charities operate on a shoestring budget and only purchase items that serve the mission, so items that may appear essential to us are simply not in the budget.
Consider donating gently used but in good condition items to your favorite charity. The best way to begin is to ask their volunteer or development department what they require.
Also, donating blood on a regular or one-time basis is a great way to ensure that you’re giving back to those in need. Every blood donor contributes to a nationwide effort to provide life-saving products whenever and wherever they are needed.
Two examples of organizations that are always looking for volunteer work, while helping those in need, are WE Charity and Water.org.
Make a Product or Service Donation
In addition to the usual supplies, clothing, and furniture, many charities hold annual galas where unique items are auctioned to fund their yearly goals. Consider making an in-kind donation if you own a small business or have a product or service to donate.
This is a form of product or service donation that allows the charity to raise funds without requiring you to make a financial contribution.
You can also volunteer your time to help a worthy cause achieve its objectives and serve the community. If you have specialized skills, such as graphic design, photography, grant writing, social media, or general communications, you can help promote the charity’s cause by lending your talents.
Most charities do not have formal positions for those skills, or if they do, the positions are overburdened and could benefit from some help.
Collaborate with the Community Specifically
Direct service is an excellent way to donate to a charity. You can read to sick children in the hospital, assist the elderly at the care facility, foster pets, and other activities, which can help the community in a big way.
This giving method is not only a great way to give back, but it is also gratifying. You can immediately see a return on your time investment and forge relationships with people and causes.
As a founder and philanthropist, Craig Kielburger has been actively speaking to thousands of people throughout the world about the importance of doing good and spending time to help those in need.
You can see one of his many videos below on this topic, and how he’s using social media to reach even more people in the process.
Contribute Your Time
Most charities rely on volunteers to help them meet their programming objectives. Education-related nonprofits, for example, are frequently in need of tutors, teachers, aides, and translators.
You could also help out at a one-time event. Volunteering at events is an excellent way to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the charity operates and a great way to get involved with the community and directly serve the mission.
Set up a Drive
Organizing a drive is another excellent way to donate to your local charity. Instead of receiving gifts on your birthday, request that people donate to your favorite charity.
You could also consider organizing a drive around other special occasions or seasons. Organize a donation drive in the fall, a Christmas toy drive, or a Mother’s Day drive.
Donations of razors, soap, and toothbrushes for women’s or homeless shelters are also highly appreciated. These aspects are easy to take for granted, and when you remind your friends how simple it is to help, most of them are eager to assist.
Donate Food or Prepare a Meal
Many charities that work with homeless or older people are frequently in need of healthy food or a warm meal. If you have a garden or a surplus of vegetables, consider donating it or preparing dinner.
If the holidays have encouraged you to give back, you should donate your time on Thanksgiving or Christmas to aid with the cooking and serve meals at hospitals, soup kitchens, and food banks.
As always, be sure to first check with the charity or non-profit organization, as others have stringent food-related policies.
Create a Card
Consider how pleased you are when you receive mail that is not a bill. It’s a beautiful feeling to receive something one-of-a-kind and handwritten.
Consider writing to prisoners, foster children, or older people who would appreciate the gift of companionship. A simple card with a heartfelt note can mean so much. With this simple gesture, you can brighten someone’s day.
Conclusion
Another way to contribute without physically being present or sending physical items is via the internet. There are ways for you to take advantage of what the internet has to offer, while also being charitable. And they’re all relatively simple to execute.
By clicking on the organization’s ads or sharing their links on your social media accounts, you can help your local charities. Shop online at Amazon Smile, eBay for Charity, or Goodshop to donate a part of your purchase price to a charity of your choosing.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to contribute to your favorite charities without spending much (or any) money. Giving your time, talent, and compassion can provide so much to charities; so, the next time you’re debating whether to open your wallet to donate but are already feeling financially stressed, consider these ways of giving back first.
