Helping Out in Even the Smallest of Ways

Developing an “Attitude of Gratitude” can help you be better equipped to serve others. Recognizing all the blessings you have in your own life makes it easier for you to give with a glad heart. There are plenty of suggestions on the Internet that will help lead the way. Choose a few this holiday season and make it a family affair. Teach children valuable lessons about helping others. Be their example. Encourage them to participate in fundraising events and to make charitable donations. Select a new toy together and have them use part of their allowance to make the purchase. Small steps like these lead to larger, monumental change.

Volunteers Feel Physically Healthier According to Survey Findings

According to Psychology Today, “The 2010 Do Good Live Well Survey, released by United Healthcare and VolunteerMatch (www.VolunteerMatch.org), surveyed 4,500 American adults. 41 percent of Americans volunteered an average of 100 hours a year. 68 percent of those who volunteered in the last year reported that volunteering made them feel physically healthier.”

In addition to these findings, the following data was recorded:

• 89% report that “volunteering has improved my sense of well-bring
• 73% agree that “volunteering lowered my stress levels”
• 92% agree that volunteering enriched their sense of purpose in life
• 72% characterize themselves as “optimistic” compared to 60% of non-volunteers
• 42% of volunteers report a “very good” sense of meaning in their lives, compared with 28% of non-volunteers

Here are some additional ways to help others in need this holiday season:

• Donate new or gently used coats, scarves, gloves, and hats to the Goodwill or Salvation Army.
• Organize a Food Drive through your church, school, club, business or organization.
• Clip coupons and send them to military families overseas.
• Become a blood donor.
• Contribute to your friends and family members’ favorite charities instead of buying gifts this year.
• Send a care package to a soldier.
• Foster a shelter dog or cat.
• Shovel snow for a neighbor.

Part of what makes the holidays special are the opportunities that we have to give. No matter how tight your finances may be, there are organizations and groups that you can get involved with. If you can’t make a monetary donation, give away some of your unwanted belongings. Contribute a few hours of your time each month. Together we can make a difference this holiday season. The question is, how do you plan to do just that?

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Each website offers a different monthly menu as well as specialty items which can be picked up at a host site located in your community.   This can add up to big savings over the course of a year and makes a great way to supplement your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer.

Do You Have to Be Low-Income to Participate?

Neither organization puts restrictions on your income level, so everyone is invited to participate in the program.  SHARE, however, does encourage its participants to volunteer in their cities in exchange for the lower priced grocery items.  This creates a “pay it forward” type of effect and makes stronger, sounder individuals and communities.

What Kinds of Items Can I Expect to Purchase on a Monthly Basis?

In addition to meat, fruits and vegetables, and dairy items, you will also receive other staples like pasta and rice.  The menu changes monthly and other packages can be purchased as well.  For example, Angel Food Ministries sells a Seafood Package and a Just 4 Me After School Box which includes convenience foods like corndogs, chicken fingers, and pizza.  It also has a Gluten Free Box for people with known allergies.

What Is the Average Cost of a Box of Food?

Generally speaking, $30 can buy you $60 worth of food.  That is a 50% savings.  Both groups accept Food Stamps as well as credit cards and can be paid for online.

My City Doesn’t Have a Host Site, What Can I Do?

You can set up your own host site through your church or organization if there is not another location near you.  Just email the group of your choice to find out more information about the process.

Good quality food can be acquired inexpensively without the use of coupons.  Groups like Angel Food Ministries and SHARE make it possible by buying food in bulk and divvying it up into individual boxes.  Take advantage of a growing trend and help support the organizations thoughtful enough to take a stand against hunger today.

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Have you been thinking about donating to a charity, or looking for a new way to give back to your community? If you’re like many Americans these days, you may be on a tight budget and feel like it’s difficult to come up with the extra money to give. While giving money to charities helps them immensely and they rely on contributions, it can also be even more beneficial to give the gift of your time. Whether you’re looking to donate monetarily or through volunteer service, offerings of all sorts are greatly appreciated by those in need and by the charitable organizations themselves.

There are many charities that you can donate money to and you probably already know how to get in touch with those. You can choose to contribute to a local organization or to a national group, and in some cases, you can donate directly to those in need. Many people decide to donate to their schools and churches, or other organizations they are already involved in, and this is also a good option. Tax-deductible donations may also be claimed on your income taxes, giving you an extra benefit in addition to the satisfaction of helping. It’s easy to donate to charities through online methods, by dropping off money to the physical location, through mail, or, even by texting a donation to a special number, which is then added to your phone bill.

Giving Time Instead of Money

However, for those who are already running on a tight budget, or perhaps are looking to give something more substantial than a monetary donation, volunteering your time is a very valuable contribution. Organizations are in great need of volunteers for all positions, and will always welcome your assistance. Charities need both money and volunteer service to keep running smoothly and effectively.

Additionally, by volunteering directly with an organization you may get the chance to work with the individuals you are helping. You’ll touch lives as you help those in need, and they will truly appreciate the time you spend with them as your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Working with people can be an especially rewarding opportunity, as you’ll be able to see the impact your service has. Whether you choose to work with children, senior citizens, or battered women, you’ll be able to recognize the difference you are making in each individual’s life as you get to know them. You’ll build valuable relationships, and provide a positive influence for each person. You can also create an incredibly powerful source of stability for the people you help, many of whom have come from very detrimental or difficult backgrounds.

While many people may feel overwhelmed by their already busy schedules, it’s always possible to fit in time for a volunteer commitment. You’ll find the consistent presence of a regular service time to be a calming, stabilizing force in your life, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to seeing those individuals that you work with. Volunteering your time can heighten your levels of satisfaction, and you can be proud of the effort you put into giving back to your community. Service opportunities may also be a great way to connect with friends and family members, as you can all go volunteer at an organization together — which maximizes your satisfaction and, more importantly, your impact.

Some people may prefer to work in a subtle manner, and look for volunteer opportunities that don’t involve working with the direct public. These positions are just as important and the organization you choose to work with will gladly accept any time you’re willing to give. You may be able to find a way to contribute to an organization that utilizes your skill sets, or that perhaps models your career training. Many organizations will also provide training programs prior to the start of your service. When you’re looking for a new way to get involved in the community, there is always a service opportunity available for everyone.

For example, if you have a background in technology or design and you notice a local organization is in need of a website or could use a better website, you could ask if they would like your help in creating one. This would allow you to offer your skills and maybe even work from home in your spare time while providing a valuable service to your charity. In the end, your time could save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Finding Charitable Opportunities

What’s the best way to find these volunteer opportunities? With so many organizations in need of help there will always be many options to choose from in your area. If you need help finding a place to offer your service, check out an online volunteer database. Websites like VolunteerMatch help volunteers find organizations that best fit their skill sets. You can also check out dosomething.org, and idealist.org to find similar opportunities in your area. Additionally, you can check out local community bulletin boards, or ask others if they know of organizations in need.

But don’t stop there. While making donations or volunteering some time is a great thing, you can go the next step and become an everyday philanthropist. There are countless small things you can do every day that can make a tremendous impact in your local community. Check out the book How to Be an EVERYDAY Philanthropist: 330 Ways To Make A Difference In Your Home, Community, and World At No Cost, You’ll find plenty of ways to make a difference without sacrificing money or much of your time.

Whether you choose to give to charities through a monetary donation or by offering your time, know that the value you can offer is incredibly important, no matter how large or small. By donating your time and services, you can show people in need that they are cared about, and offer them an extra bit of hope during a difficult time.

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The giving of one’s time, talents, and body is selfless and rewarding.  People from all walks of life and economic statuses can become an “Everyday Philanthropist,” a term created by author Nicole Bouchard Boles by opening up their hearts, homes, and minds to making a difference.

The young mother and expert on low-cost and no-cost giving knows a thing or two about the human spirit.  She has transformed hers through research and volunteerism.  Donating time to worthy causes helped her gain a better understanding of the world around her and the real meaning behind philanthropy.

In fact, the underlying theme of her book is that one does not have to be wealthy to be influential.  Boles notes that many people envision a philanthropist as “a grand lady in pearls writing out checks with a lot of zeros,” but that is far from the truth.  Anyone can leave their mark on the world as long as they are willing to try.  Bank account balances do little to dismay the power of a good intention.

Throughout How to Be an EVERYDAY Philanthropist: 330 Ways To Make A Difference In Your Home, Community, and World�’At No Cost, readers are given ample opportunity to dip a toe into the wading pool of volunteerism.  Here are some of the ideas suggested by the author:

• Sign an online petition.
• Knit hats for the homeless.
• Donate your unwanted formal wear.
• Recycle your old bicycle.
• Help out on Election Day.
• Ditch disposable and use cloth or canvas grocery bags.
• Eliminate junk mail waste by getting off of mailing lists.

Small commitments like these can eventually lead to bigger endeavors like the experiences written about by author Pam Grout.  Her book, The 100 Best Volunteer Vacations to Enrich Your Life includes many free opportunities to make a difference as well as providing information about programs that charge a fee.  Being a lighthouse keeper or working at the legendary Patch Adam’s Gesundheit! Institute are a few of the ways that people can roll up their sleeves and get involved with helping others.

Grout, who has written several books for National Geographic, sees the spiritual side of travel.  She believes that the closer you get to the people you meet on your journey, the better.  She states, “People in developing countries have a depth of joy, a richness to which those of us consumed with material things are often blind.  The question persists: Who ends up getting helped the most when you travel to help others?”  Chances are the person that she is referring to is you, an “Everyday Philanthropist”.

According to a report put out by the Corporation for National & Community Service, volunteering has measurable benefits.  People that give their time and resources to others are happier, healthier, have better control over their lives, demonstrate high levels of self-esteem and greater life satisfaction.

If you are looking for a way to improve the quality of your life, volunteerism is one of the quickest routes to a better sense of overall well-being.  Grab a friend or family member and spend a few hours at your local soup kitchen.  The people that you help will be glad that you did.

Charissa Arsaoui is a freelance writer for ChickSpeak, Buzzine, DisFUNKshion Magazine, Student Stuff, and a guest contributor for Wisebread.  She loves thrift related topics and can spot a bargain a mile away.

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