Ways to Donate on a Budget

For most people, money becomes tighter around the end of the calendar year. Between buying gifts, food, and decorations for the holidays, very little cash flow is left over for charitable donation. Instead, those who want to give back to others in need are forced to get creative. Here are a few ways to make a difference during the season of giving that won’t cost you a dime.

Volunteer Your Time

Charities rely on the help of volunteers. For only a few hours of your time, you and your family can help feed the hungry a warm Thanksgiving meal or stock the shelves of your local homeless shelter’s food pantry.

Donate Your Possessions

With colder weather approaching, the end of the year is a great time to gather your old, unwanted clothes and donate them to your local charity or shelter. And you don’t have to draw the line at your closet. Go through and donate any unused goods, toys, or unexpired food items. It may be junk to you, but as the saying goes, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure.”

Start a Charity Drive

Organizing a drive to gather donations is a great way to feed or clothe the less fortunate. Many schools, clubs, and troops participate in food drives to gather non-perishable food and canned goods to help stock the shelves of local food pantries during the winter months.

 Give Blood

Hospitals could always use more blood, and lucky for us, we’re full of the stuff. As long as you’re healthy and disease-free, you can donate blood between three and four times a year. And not only is it free, but they pay you!

Become an Organ Donor

There’s no better way to give than becoming an organ donor. It may be grim to think about it but registering to donate your organs when you die is one of the most selfless and honorable acts of charity you can ever accomplish. It’s a simple and free legacy that can give someone a second chance at life.

Raise Money for Charity

There are many ways to drum up money for a good cause. Fundraising can range from hosting a lemonade stand or charity car wash to online crowdsourcing on GoFundMe or volunteering at a telethon. Remember: you get back what you put in, so how much you earn for charity depends on your level of effort.

Share the Message

Probably the easiest way to make a difference is by using your social influence online to help raise the awareness of important missions. By liking, following, and sharing the social media content of charitable organizations, you are spreading the word and encouraging others to follow your lead. Each person you reach can help make a difference. After all, the more people aware, the more people care.

 Volunteer Your Skills

Professionals with experience in teaching, human resources, and administration are encouraged to use their skills to mentor others in order to help close the skills gap and create stronger job candidates in the workforce. Jobs Partnership developed the LifeWorks training program to help people discover a better path for life and work through a comprehensive solution that blends life management, faith, and the pursuit of fulfilling employment.

Volunteering your time and skills through LifeWorks or spreading the message of Jobs Partnership online is an absolutely free way that you can help strengthen your community and transform lives this holiday season. To start giving back, sign up here or call The Jobs Partnership at 407-641-0755.