One of the most important things we can do in this life is to leave this world a bit better than we found it.
If you’re wondering how you can get in the spirit of giving this year while also sticking to your budget, you’re in luck! We’ve outlined some of our favorite ways to give back below. The good news? Being kind is completely free …and always in style.
Tip #1: Donate your time or talents
Many charities need your time as much as your treasure. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you aren’t valuable without the ability to make a hefty donation. Our suggestion? Spend a few hours sitting through donated clothes, serving a meal at a homeless shelter, or making a visit to a nursing home or hospital to spend time brightening someone’s day.
Tip #2: Get your office involved
Encourage your office or employer to get involved! Many corporate offices look to their employees to organize a giving effort or volunteer event. Take this on as a project in your work environment and demonstrate leadership skills will you’re at it!
Tip #3: Plan ahead
Save a few dollars from each paycheck to go towards your charitable giving. You don’t have to save much, but remember that every little bit counts. Even $10 saved each month can amount to a substantial donation at the end of the year or allow you to donate a few holiday gifts to a family in need.
Tip #4: Dust off your writing skills
A great way to show your gratitude? Pen a letter to the men and women serving our country! Set aside an hour or two to craft a heartfelt letter to our troops, a veteran, a first responder, a wounded hero, or a caregiver. Take your efforts a bit further and organize a letter writing party for your classroom, neighborhood, or co-workers. Not sure how to get started? Operation Gratitude takes all of the guesswork out of this process and makes it incredibly easy to get involved, even in this new virtual environment!
Tip #5: Show Kindness
It takes absolutely no funds at all to treat others with kindness. We encounter many opportunities each day to demonstrate an act of compassion: a simple smile to a stranger, holding the door for a busy mom, letting a car go ahead of you in a high-traffic situation, etc. The possibilities are truly endless – it just requires that we take notice.
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