Donating to Charity During the Holidays What You Can Do Even if Money is Tight

The United States is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but unfortunately, there are huge disparities in income for many Americans. As a result, many communities have individuals and families that need assistance and rely on the kindness of others.

One time of the year that is especially difficult for many families is the holidays. Many families are unable to afford basic necessities and are unable to think at all about presents. Fortunately, many charity organizations fill in the gaps necessary for helping families in need, and they receive donations from community members.

In monetary terms, total charitable giving in the United States is over $316 billion annually as of 2012. However, research has also shown that only around 70% of people in the U.S. give to charity each year. Although $316 billion can make a lot of difference, the more everyone can give the better. If you’re looking for a way to help out in your community this holiday season, here are some things you can do — even if you, too, are on a budget.

1. Donate new toys to kids in need. The holidays can be rough for families that live paycheck-to-paycheck, and this can mean no room in the budget for special items. But many parents still love to see their children happy during the holidays, and donations of toys are a great way to make a child smile. Donating a new toy to a local charity can mean giving a kid the chance to have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

2. Give clothing donations. Donating clothing to charity is a wonderful way to help others, especially during the cold winter months. After all, who doesn’t need to clean out his or her closet every once in a while? By donating clothing to charity, you can make sure that men, women, and children in your area have what they need to stay warm. Outerwear is especially useful to donate during this time of the year.

3. Bring food to area pantries, kitchens, and shelters. Food banks are always looking for donations, but many of their patrons use these charities to prepare for their holiday feasts. Additionally, many shelters and churches help feed the hungry on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they need food and supplies in order to do so. If you have canned goods, frozen foods, or even fresh ingredients to give, you can bring them to food cupboards and soup kitchens to contribute to these holiday meals.

4. Volunteer for a local cause. If you don’t have money or goods to give, but you have a few hours to spare, you might be able to volunteer with a local organization. You may sort through items from those donating clothing to charity, or you might serve a holiday meal in a soup kitchen. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to find out where you can be of service in your community.

Have more questions about how you can help others this holiday season? Be sure to leave a comment below. Read this website for more information.