Charities: How to Be Charitable Without Spending Money

Most of us like to give to charities, but it's not always feasible with our own shrinking disposable incomes in today's society. You realize that all (or most) charities are worthwhile causes, however, you either can't afford to give to each and every one, or they may be calling or soliciting for donations at an inconvenient time, between paycheques. Or, perhaps you are struggling with finances and that close to needing charity yourself. Yet you might find yourself feeling rather guilty if you can't offer even a small donation.

The Bible states to "give with a cheerful heart". However, I don't believe that the Bible dictates that you must only give "money" in order to help and be charitable to others who are less fortunate than yourself. In this day and age, it's hard for the average family to make ends meet as it is. Even parting with $20 or $30 can put an extra strain on many household budgets. Yet, this does not mean that you can't give of yourself in other ways, to be of help and still fulfill a charitable need in your community.

Here are some ways to still be charitable, but without spending money:

1) You can donate articles that you no longer need, to charities. This could be in the way of clothing (especially children's clothing that your own children have outgrown. Charities are constantly in need of baby and children's items). You could also give household items, such as appliances and furniture. Often charities are helping the poor or immigrants who have just moved into the community and are starting new lives with very little. These extra items that you no longer use can be of great help to someone starting over with nothing.

2) You can give of your time. Charitable organizations are always looking for volunteers who might either help canvas neighborhoods for their cause or man phone lines, calling others for those much needed dollars. By offering your time for free, charities don't have to pay out extra wages, saving them substantially. The money they save by not paying out wages, can go a lot further in helping the needy.

3) Helping neighbors in need is a huge act of charitable kindness towards others. If you have elderly neighbors, offer to shovel their walks in the winter or mow their lawns in summer. Offer to do favors for those who might be incapacitated in some way. You could pick up items from the store for them while you're already doing your shopping anyway. These acts of kindness go a long way in helping others and won't cost you anything monetarily.

4) While doing some baking for your own family, make a few extra batches of cookies or pastries and give the extra to either neighbors or organizations. There are some organizations that would receive your baking with appreciation, in the event of charity fund raisers and raffles.

5) If you are good at making crafts, offer those to charitable fund raisers as well. Schools are always looking for fund raising ideas to make extra money for computers or classroom events.

6) You can donate your spare time at such places as hospitals, schools, retirement homes, to name a few. Any one of these organizations could use extra help tending to the elderly, reading to either the aged or young school children, or helping with school projects (these are just a few ideas, but the list could go on I'm sure).

7) If you happen to have a vegetable garden, you might find that you have plenty of spare food at the end of the growing season. Donating this food to the local food bank or needy families in your area is a very worthy cause, and you won't be throwing out the excess that you won't be needing yourself.

8) Most communities, no matter where you live, have a "Habitat for Humanity". This organization is always building new homes for those on limited incomes and usually operate by either donated materials or assistance in the construction. If you have any skills in building or even if you've done some renovating in your own home, you could offer a hand. They're sure to have a job, large or small, that anyone of any skill level can help with.

9) If you have children in sports, you might like to offer your services in helping with the team, either as a coach or driving the children to and from their games. The other parents would surely be very grateful for the extra help when they themselves cannot get their children to their events.

10) Be a mentor, helping children in your neighborhood. You can either give them extra assistance with school assignments that they may be having trouble with, offer free music lessons, or by taking the time to teach them sports (especially if they don't have a parent who is able to spend a lot of time with them).

There are just so many ways to help out in your community, as far as charity goes. Giving doesn't always have to entail the giving of money. Charity doesn't always have dollar signs attached to it. Just giving of yourself and your time is a monumental service to those around you who might be in need. Your time and efforts will always be appreciated, and it will make you feel good inside too, knowing that you have contributed to your community, in a very positive way.