You don’t always need to have money to give back.
Everyone considers giving back to mean donating money to charities. That is definitely one way to give back but you can do so much more to help others than with money.1. Instead of donating money, volunteer. Your favorite charity probably needs help with something. You can donate your skills, like accounting or photography, or sign up to walk dogs at your local shelter. Organizations like Feed My Starving Children need people to package meals.
2. Not everything needs to be a grand gesture. I know we are all busy and rushed but we could all use a little more kindness. Next time you are leaving a building, look to see if anyone else is coming and hold the door. It may not seem like it but those little gestures can turn the day around for someone. When the cashier or waitstaff seems a bit frazzled, give them a break. Smile and say thank you instead of huffing and puffing about the wait time. I know, it’s hard but kindness (and meanness) has a ripple effect. I’d rather start a wave of kindness than meanness. Wouldn’t you?
3. Donate goods. And I don’t mean that pair of socks you found with eight holes in them. Go through your house and collect duplicate items or things you don’t use anymore. Make sure they are in good condition and find a charity that could use them. Animal shelters often need spare towels. Women’s shelters can use clothing and hygiene items. Maybe you bought that 12 pack of deodorant at Costco and didn’t like it. Donate the 11 unused deodorants.
4. Know a friend with a small business? You don’t have to buy items from them (although that is nice too). You can show your support in several ways that only cost you a few minutes of time. Check out my video for three ideas!
5. Tell (or show) your friends and family how much you appreciate and/or love them. Reach out for the heck of it and tell them a funny story. Send a GIF or meme that reminded you of them. You never know when you will no longer be able to show or tell them how much they mean to you. And someday it may be too late.
Five easy ways to give back this holiday season. Even better would be if you could keep this going all year. Don’t wait to the end of the year to show how much you care.
I also have my Give Back program if you want to buy art and help the National Park Foundation.
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