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Tis the season of giving. The problem this year is, no one has any money to give. I could go on a rant about lost jobs and a terrible economy, but I have read enough of that, and I am ready to start looking at the glass half full.
I would also like to be clear about something, if you have the money to give, then absolutely donate it to your charity of choice, they are struggling as much, if not worse then everyone else right now. However, if this year you cannot afford the donation, these are some ideas for how to give in other ways.
Give a gift (or get the whole office to)!
Open those storage closets and take out a toy that your aunt gave you last year even though you stopped playing with toys 10 years ago. Grab the candle holders or coffee mugs that you got last year and never used. Then bring them to your local gift center, and they will distribute them to the less fortunate.
If you cannot find anything in the storage closets don’t fret… If you office has a Secret Santa every year you should put a new spin on it. Everyone should go through the fun part of buying a gift, but instead of keeping the gifts, go together as an office and donate them to people who perhaps just lost their jobs. If your office doesn’t have a Secret Santa, maybe this would be a good way to start a new tradition.
Give your time
I realize time is difficult to come by, but it is not impossible to find. Grab your co-workers, your friends, or your family and donate your time to benefit someone else. There are volunteers needed during the holiday season, they aren’t difficult to find but are usually locally based, so put in a Google search and find your local shelters.
Adopt a pet
This may seem a little off topic, but as family budgets are cut, animals are an expense that some people cut out first. You have to remember that animals are very important, they can cheer you up when your down and they make a great present for a child, or a significant other, a good idea when money is tight. It will cost you about $90, but it is a great gift idea if you know you are able to care for the animal.
A few other ideas:
I hope everyone takes the time to give something this Holiday season, and if you have any other ideas, please let me know!
Something else to remember - if you don't have money to donate in December but you will in January, it is fine to wait till January to give. Nonprofits will always be in need of help. The homeless will still be there in 2009. Food pantries will still have families that need food in January. Shelters will still have new families in need of help every month. Giving doesn't just happen in December. It can be a year round event!
Great point Dorie. Also remember that if your time is full in December, January is a great tie to volunteer. We see an influx in numbers around Thanksgiving and XMas, but then in mid-Jan we are back to our regulars. Keep your spirit up all year long!
@Greg and Dorie
You both make a great point. You should continue to give all year long, don't just limit yourself to just the Holidays.
I am simply urging people that normally make a donation during the Holiday's but will have trouble affording it this year to look at other opportunities to give back, and don't just scrap the whole "giving tradition" because you are struggling financially.
Something else: If you are part of a regional alum network (Greek Life, College/University): A lot of these groups will organize Alumni Volunteering events which are great because you get to give back to your community while representing your group and you get the chance to catch up with people you might not normally see. This Saturday, I'm going to Project S.H.A.R.E in Philadelphia for a Muhlenberg Alum event - Holiday volunteering made easy.
It's amazing how easy giving can be, and it's only made easier by the holidays. Tossing the change from your purchases in the Goodwill bin outside your local grocery store takes a few seconds, and a little can go a long way.
The idea of adopting a pet is a fantastic one, as there are so many homeless animals. But if you can't care for an animal in your home, consider donating pet toys, food, and blankets to your local humane society. Humane society websites almost always have a wishlist, and especially in the cold winter months, they're always in need of bedding and towels.
Thanks for the reminder!
I would suggest that you adopt an animal (!!) but wait until after the holidays -- shelters get a FLOOD of abandoned & returned animals in January after the holidays and you'll have the pick of the litter at that point.
Great post, Dan!
Hi Dan, Something that my family did was sponsor a family. We each bought for a child of the family. I can't tell you what a great feeling it was buying for someone who you know will truely need the gifts.
Eric Papp
These are great ideas. I didn’t even consider pets, even though I have a cat. I will be volunteering at an assisted living center/alzheimers’s home. It is a good idea to choose something you feel passionate about. If anyone reading has small children, taking the entire family can be a good experience for all involved. Maybe make it a new tradition on Christmas Eve. A personal goal is to volunteer more than just around the holidays… Let me know what you end up doing this holiday.
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