Holiday Season Shopping, Party & Entertainment Ideas

Giving Tuesday – 8 Free Ways to Give Back

After a crazy weekend of shopping for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a reminder to help us remember what this season is really about; giving, sharing and spreading joy to everyone. Many people would love to help out new causes this season, however due to prior commitments to other charities and causes they may not be able to afford it.

Thankfully there are many other amazing ways to donate including your time and expertise! Below are 8 excellent free ways you could give back to your community.

Out of the Cold Program – Donate gently used heavy winter coats, boots, or new socks, underwear and long underwear. Food donations such as coffee, canned meat (tuna, salmon, ham), juice boxes, bottled water, granola bars, pudding cups, bread, rolls are also very appreciated.
Carpentry Services – Many great charities, do not have the funds for simple repairs or replacements. Any carpentry services such as repairing furniture, putting up shelves, installing fixtures are all great help.
Volunteering – Volunteering in your community provides many benefits for those receiving and for yourself too. By volunteering at your local shelter, library, retirement homes, hospitals and more, not only do you provide a necessity for the recipient, you also help make someone happy and build great relationships.
Professional Services – Offering financial advice, consultations, workshops on budgeting, career and resume writing and English lessons for newcomers are all really great ways to give back to the community and to enrich lives.
Creative Services – Many charities and causes may not necessary have the funds for advertising or spreading awareness. By offering creative services such as graphic design, social media advertising, any sort of artistic skills to create posters, murals, pamphlets and more can really help.
Food Banks – Take inventory of your pantry and grab a box for non perishable items that you will not be using. Things like canned beans, vegetables, tuna, pastas, noodles are all great items to give.
Make Something – Knitting scarves, hats, mittens and socks are all great items to donate for the winter. Any other homemade crafts and goodies are also nice to donate to charities for the holidays.
Smile – Notice someone is having a bad day, busy store clerks, people on the streets, take the time to smile. A smile not only is one the kindest and prettiest gestures you can give someone, but rather something that can easily brighten someone’s day!