The holiday season is quickly approaching. Time to curl up by the fireplace, turn on the holiday music, and create heartwarming memories with family and friends.
It’s also one of the best times to give back and make a positive impact on your community. And you can do so in ways that won’t strain your wallet.
Do you dread the heap of unused clothes piling up in your closet? Is there a growing stack of outgrown toys in your attic? Turn the unused items around your house into ways to help disadvantaged families throughout your community.
Find a clothing or toy drop-off bin near you. You’ll often find them in the parking lot of your nearest supermarket, restaurant, place of worship, or other local facility.
Before you donate, make sure the items you’re giving meet the criteria of the organization you’re giving to. While some non-profits can accept gently used items, others may only be able to take items that are brand new with tags. When donating used items, make sure they are clean and usable. You don’t want your unused items to become another organization’s or person’s responsibility to discard if they cannot use them.
Countless organizations can use your contributions to help those in need throughout your community and around the world. Find your passion and choose an organization that most interests you. Then, set up a donation drive.
The first thing you’ll need to know is what items the organization needs and any specific requirements or restrictions they have for donated items. You’ll also want to know when they’ll need donated items by in order to make the most use of them. For instance, if they’re putting together meal baskets for families in need, they may need those items several weeks before the holiday to have enough time to prepare and distribute them.
Then, you can work with a business to set up a public donation bin or host one at your own home. Share the list of needed items and encourage family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to participate.
How can you participate in holiday giving if you’re on a limited budget? For many organizations, giving your time is just as valuable as a monetary donation. Some ways you can get involved include:
Volunteering on a committee
Sorting donations
Serving food
Wrapping gifts
It doesn’t take much to spread your holiday cheer - a thoughtful card can brighten the lives of those around you.
Local organizations may have programs in place to collect holiday cards to send to:
Children’s hospitals
Nursing homes
Deployed military members
While it’s fun to get caught up in the excitement of the season, remember that the gift of your time and talent is one of the best presents you can offer. Change a life - and your entire community - by using these tips and finding your own unique ways to make a difference.
Looking for more ways to navigate the holiday season on a budget? Check out our blog.