How to Become More Charitable

Everywhere you go, you see or hear about someone in need. If you do not encounter a jar collecting change at almost any retail checkout, the cashier will likely ask if you would like to donate to the charity that the store supports. Television commercials tug at your heartstrings with black-and-white film of starving children. You're solicited for donations on countless street corners. If your own wallet is a bit slim, you might feel like you are unable to give. However, there are many ways you can be charitable even on the tightest budget.

Things You'll Need

• Used items
• Time
• Groceries
• Gift opportunities

Instructions

1. Clean your closets and garage. There are certainly items of clothing or household items that you no longer need. A women and children's or homeless shelter could make good use of the clothes your kids so quickly outgrow or the items you just do not wear. Even your dust-collecting knickknacks can be sold at a thrift store to raise funds for a deserving charity.

2. Give your hands and feet. Many charities rely on volunteers to stay afloat. Find something you are passionate about and see how they can use your talents. While charities can definitely use people for grander duties, such as planning fundraising galas or writing grants, they also treasure volunteers who help file, clean or answer phones.

3. Make it a family affair. Once a month round up your kids and make a day out of doing good. Pick up trash at a local park. Visit elderly people at a nearby nursing home. Walk dogs at your neighborhood shelter. Teaching your children to be charitable will have a ripple effect that may be felt for generations to come.

4. Clip coupons. Use buy one/get one coupons or good deals on food items you do not personally use. Collect affordable or free nonperishable items to drop off at your local food bank.

5. Give charitable gifts. The next time you ask someone what he would like for a holiday or birthday and he (or she) says, "I already have everything I need," take him at his word. Donate the money you would have spent on a gift, giving it in honor of your gift recipient. They will receive a card or letter and sometimes a token gift informing them of the donation.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for small ways you can be charitable in your daily life. Take your neighbor's trash can to the curb when you move your own, or give produce from your garden to a needy family.

• Don't give money out of guilt if you truly cannot afford it.

Resources

• Find the Perfect Volunteer Opportunity
• Donate Every Time You Search
• Click to Give