Why Volunteering is the Gift That Keeps on Giving

The holiday shopping season between November and December is the busiest time of year for retailers, and the time in which they make the most profit. The same is true for non-profit organizations that help military families. While they may not be turning a profit, the holiday season is the period of time in which they receive the most charitable donations. While the chaos and excitement of last year’s holiday season is in the past, there is still plenty of work that need to be done.

There are several ways you can give back in the new year, many of which can be done from the comfort of your home or work. The first few weeks of January have been bitterly cold, with areas across the nation experiencing subzero temperatures. As such, warm weather clothing donations have been in high demand. In addition to winter clothing, professional and business casual attire is in demand year round. These donations allow veterans to reenter the workforce with confidence.

Clothing donations are perhaps one of the easiest and most convenient charitable donations to make. There are several organizations that pick up clothing donations directly from your home or work.

Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and others also make for excellent charitable donations. Take advantage of store deals and coupons that make stocking up on these items easy and affordable. Or, if you have a natural affinity and love for cooking, why not volunteer to cook a meal at your local military and veteran organization?

Volunteering your time is an not only an excellent way to to give back to the military and veteran community, it’s an excellent way to network and meet other like-minded community members. In addition, volunteering has been shown to have several mental and emotional benefits, such as increased mood and sense of purpose.

Donating and volunteering allows you to contribute to a great cause, help those in need, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.