“We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone”
-Ronald Reagan
We may not be able to help everyone in need, but all of us, have the capability to lend a helping hand. The good news is that there are plenty of rewarding ways to pay it forward that doesn’t necessarily involve us writing a check or joining the peace corp.
Here’s a list of 5 of my favorite ways of giving back that hopefully will inspire you to do the same.
May our collective efforts lead to a ripple effect that will help to create a kinder and a more compassionate world! 🙂
Donate Clothes & Food
Staying warm and clean can be exceptionally rough for those who do not have a permanent roof over their heads.
So, if you have lots of gently used clothes sitting idly in your closet, be sure to donate them to your local charity so they can be put in to a much better use.
Have work appropriate clothes that you no longer use? Drop them off at great organizations like Dress for Success who will source them to deserving disadvantaged women looking to become financially independent.
Alternatively, you can also opt to donate non-perishable food items (like canned goods) to Food Banks (available worldwide) so they can be distributed to those that need them most. Check out their website for a location near you (US).
Share Your Skills & Knowledge
” When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity…you do not slam it shut behind you.. you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”
– Michelle Obama
All of us have experience and skills that are valuable to be shared to others. If you happen to excel at your job or at school, there’s no better way to give back than to help others to succeed too!
I’m willing to bet that there are at least one of your siblings/ peers/ colleagues who is struggling and would appreciate a helping hand. So, extend an ‘olive branch’.
Kindly offer your time to help on whatever subject/ task/ project that they’re facing difficulties with. Your gesture will surely be much appreciated.
Should you happen to be a talented artist and looking for creative ways you can give back, here are awesome ways to artistically give back.
Raise Money by Running
Did you know that there’s plenty of ways you can raise money for worthwhile causes by running? If you love running, this may just be a suitable option for you.
Sign up for charitable races such as the Run10Feed10, a non-profit organization that provides 10 meals to people in need in your local community for each person who runs the 10K race.
Alternatively, you can even give back through your daily jog with the Charity Miles app. No matter where you are in the world, with this app, you can turn your cardio routine, be it running, walking, or cycling and turn it to cash you can donate to the charity you choose to support!
Volunteer Your Time
Giving your time to your favorite charities may just be the easiest, fun yet worthwhile way to pay it forward. Remember that your presence is a gift that is more valuable (and appreciated) than you know!
Whether you prefer to help prepare and serve meals at your local soup kitchen, to read books and play with lovely kids at an orphanage or to groom, feed and spend some quality time with adorable furry pals at your nearest animal shelter, you will inevitably be reminded that giving back is a beautiful gift that keeps on giving.
Purchase Gifts that Give Back
Can’t figure out what to give your loved ones for their birthday? Awesome organizations like FEED has lots of great gifts on sale, such as tote bags, wallets, hats or t-shirts, that makes a great fashion and social statement.
With an aim of eliminating hunger around the globe, their gifts are as stylish as they are socially responsible. All of their products are made under fair labor conditions and are environmentally friendly!
If you or your loved ones are lovers of animals and the wildlife, why not give them a gift that will help protect the future of nature?
A conservation safari for example, enable travelers to not only observe stunning wildlife in their natural habitat, it also provides an exciting & worthwhile first-hand opportunity to help animals and nature alike.
The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) species adoption kits also make an amazing gift. Not only does each kit comes with a plush toy and an adoption certificate, this gift offers us the priceless opportunity to contribute towards the protection of the wildlife which will help to ensure the preservation of our planet for many years to come.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks