There’s a common misconception that if you can’t donate money to charity, you can’t help out. But helping families in need doesn’t always mean donating money; it can mean donating your time in a shelter or kitchen, or donating gently used items. There are so many ways that you can help. The value of charitable donations is not dependent on the form they take! Read on for three reasons you should donate in some way this year.
Good Examples
While total donations were $358.38 billion last year, there are many other ways to get involved with charities. Consider spending a holiday or day around a holiday with your family helping out at a kitchen or shelter. It will set a good example to your children, and help them appreciate the things they have.
Peace of Mind
Helping families in need can give you peace of mind, especially as you move through the holiday season. Christmas has become a largely material holiday, but giving time, money, or items to those in need ensures that you still have the real spirit of the season in you. Not everyone has the means to celebrate Christmas in the way many of us are accustomed to, so helping families in need will make the season slightly better.
Clean Clutter
This is a big reason to give when it comes to clothing donations. About 4.7 billion pounds of clothing are donated, but 10.5 million tons of clothing are dumped into landfills by Americans every year. Donating gently used clothing gives someone who doesn’t have access to clothing something to keep them warm. But for you, it’s a good way to clean out things in your home that you aren’t wearing. It’s a win-win situation.
Will you be getting involved with any charities in the upcoming holiday season? Which ones? Do you make it a family tradition? We’d love to hear your stories and inspirations!