Tips on Supporting Charities: Clickable Charities and Used Goods Donations

These days it seems like we are being asked to contribute more and more to our communities and special causes. Unfortunately, our bank accounts won't allow us to give to every worthwhile organization that needs funds. In addition, the time we spend at our jobs and taking care of our families doesn't allow for much volunteer time either. If you are looking for ways to help others that don't require much time or money, here are some options to consider.

Clickable Charities

Some charities offer online donating opportunities that don't cost a cent and only take a moment of your time. For example, if you visit www.thebreastcancersite.com you will find a pink box in the middle of the page. If you click this box you will help fund mammograms for individuals unable to afford them. Sponsors who support the site will give money to this cause because you cared enough to click.

When you click on that pink box you will be taken to a "thank you" page in which your efforts are acknowledged. You will see a list of retailers from whom you can buy merchandise that is often related to the charity your click has just supported. If you buy any merchandise a portion of the proceeds will go to the charity. This website has a results page in which you can view the click totals for the previous days, months and years allowing you to see how your click is making a difference. You are encouraged to click everyday and can even sign up for daily email reminders. This particular website has a "common questions" link, which provides a lot of useful information about click tabulations, sponsors and how to determine for yourself if their site is legitimate.

If you think you might like to support charities in this manner the following websites have links to numerous clickable charity websites:
www.thenonprofits.com/
www.care2.com/click2donate/
http://www.donationjunction.com/

Donating Used Goods

We all have stuff in our homes that we no longer use. Many of us donate clothes, furniture, appliances and toys to a variety of charities. However, you may be surprised to find out that some things you would not consider giving to charities are in fact the items they are looking for. Here is a list of items you may not have considered donating.

Eyeglasses

Lions Club International collects used eyeglasses through their Recycle for Sight program. They send the eyeglasses to vision impaired people in underprivileged countries. Specific information about their program and how to donate your old eyeglasses can be found on their website. www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/vision_eyeglass_sight.shtml

Cell phones

Many wireless service providers recycle cell phones and accessories to give to various charities to use for emergency purposes. Victim services organizations are an example of the recipient charities. You can contact your service provider for recycling information or go to www.wirelessrecycling.com/home/index.html to find a drop off location near you. This website even has instructions for how to erase data from your cell phone before donating it.

You can also donate cell phone for US military personnel to use to call their families and loved ones. Visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/home.html for more details.

Tennis shoes

Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program uses ground up materials from used tennis shoes to manufacture surfaces for playgrounds, running tracks and sports fields/courts. Some materials are used for padding under basketball courts. Most of these play and sport areas are developed in needy neighborhoods. More information can be found at www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=27&cat=reuseashoe. (Note: You will not receive a free pair of shoes for donating your old pair as indicated in an email circulated in years past.)

So if you want to do your part to help others keep in mind that there are alternatives to giving money and volunteering time. Check with your favorite charities to see if they offer any of these options. Remember, too, when you donate physical goods you keep them out of landfills and help the environment. That is a two-for-one donation bonus.