How to give to those in need, without costing you a dime

We all want to be able to 'give back,' but many of us do not have much $ to give; but money is not the only way to give to those in need. There are plenty of other ways to do it. And plenty of need for the things that you give.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Transportation-any form, depending on what you are doing (even your own 2 feet will do)
• scissors
• soap and water
• something to dust with
• a computer
• boxes, bags, etc-anything to carry things
• Your big heart

1. First your time-this is often the most difficult, yet most appreciated thing that you can give. Be a volunteer. Look at your schedule and see how much time you can give. It may be an hour a month, it may be more. You do not have to travel far to do this. It may be your neighbor who needs someone to babysit, walk their dog, visit for a cup of coffee. It may be your local school-help with a book fair, chaperone for a field trip, recess duty, etc. Ask the school your child is in-they can always use your help. It may be the local nursing home, the local hospital, the local VA--where all people need is someone to visit and talk to, maybe read a book to or help with something they may need help with. Everywhere you turn, your time is not only needed, but wanted and appreciated.
2. Toys and children's books--our local fire and police station take new-like new stuffed animals. They place them in their police cars and fire trucks and when they get a call, there may be a frightened child. They will give these kids the animals for comfort in difficult times. Books can be donated to local libraries--they will often sell them at their fundraisers or put them into circulation. Books can also go to local schools-teachers will often need them for their classrooms. New toys-Toys for Tots were really low on donations this year--if you cannot use a new toy, you can save it and give it to this wonderful organization. Many thrift shops are run by volunteers and the $ made is donated to the local community--so if you have something that you do not know where to bring, thrift stores are a great place to donate.
3. Adult books and magazines--nursing homes and hospitals welcome these with open arms. They are not only read by patients but by visitors as well.
4. Old towels and sheets-animal shelters need these all of the time. Even if they are ripped, they can be used.
5. BoxTops for Education-this is a wonderful program. I ran it in our elementary school for several years. Check with you school to see if it a fundraiser they would like to do and get in touch with Box Tops at
   http://www.boxtops4education.com/
   They will send you out a kit. Simply get notices out to all of the students and teachers, and place the box that will be provided for you from Box Tops in a place that has been OK'd by the school. Twice a year, you send the box tops in and the school will receive a check. This is one of the easiest fundraisers that you can do-and all it takes is a few snips of the scissors.
6. OK- so you have a charity that DOES need $. Then do a 'walk.' One of the most popular is the March of Dimes Walk...but many other organizations do them. Gather up your sponsors, collect their $ and have a great day walking with others who care as much as you do.
7. Lastly--click and donate
   
   there are several great sites that all you need to do is to click a banner on their site-one of the best ones is
   http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/
   
   Or if you want to have some fun and give to a great hunger site--try the ongoing spelling bee at
   http://freerice.com/index.php

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that whatever you give is clean. I know this sounds obvious, but it is simple as dusting or washing down.
• Make sure that you do not overwhelm yourself. There are so many thing that need to be done or given-choose things that are close to your heart.
• Do things with friends and family. Let the kids go through the books or toys with you, walk with a friend, share you enthusiasm with others.
• Know that even what might be a 'small' thing to you may be huge to someone else. Kindness of any kind is always appreciated
• Giving can be addictive. The more you give, the better you feel. But this is a good addiction be prepared to feel great!