Giving to charity is difficult. You know you want to, but there are so many to choose from that you can’t possibly afford to give to everything. Of course, money may be in short supply anyway, so even contributing to one charity on a regular basis can be problematic. However, there are other ways you can give to charity, fulfilling your inner Coran Capshaw, even if you don’t have as much money as that great man has generated.
Here are some examples.
1. Raise money
There are loads of ways you can raise money for your chosen charity.
You could take part in a sponsored walk, jump out of an aeroplane, or even (for those daring enough to do) make your own nudist calendar! If you are raising money for a good cause, other people should be only too happy to help. Advertise what you are doing to your friends on social media, and use sites such as JustGiving to generate further interest.
2. Give your time
Many charities depend on people willing to give their time to help. As a volunteer, you can get involved with any number of organizations, from lending your hand to a homeless shelter, or working with a conservation society to aid the environment. Not only will your efforts be appreciated, but you will also gain the personal satisfaction that you have made a difference to something or somebody’s life.
3. Share your skills
If you don’t have time to volunteer for something on a regular basis, you might still offer your skills to others. You could help set up a website for a new charity. Draw self-portraits to sell to the public. You may have time to perform at a local children’s charity, running workshops or making them laugh like an amateur Patch Adams. You might even use your photographic skills to help promote a special event the charity is holding. If you have a skill, put it to the best use possible by helping others.
4. Donate your belongings
If you’re strapped for cash, you may be thinking about selling some of your unwanted items. That’s understandable, but you could always donate some of them instead. There are bound to be thrift stores on your high street that promote a cause you are interested in, and they are only too willing to take in old books, clothing, games and anything else you may have lying around your home. Provided they are in a reasonable condition of course.
5. Organize an event
If you have the time to plan something, you could donate proceedings to the charity of your choice. Contact the charity first and ask for promotional items for the event you are holding, and then spread word everywhere. It could be a food drive at your workplace or child’s school. You could organize a bring and buy sale in your neighborhood. You might think big and get a local celebrity to speak at a gathering – assuming they are willing to donate their fees to the charity, of course. There are some other ideas here, so have a look and find something you can feasibly manage.
FINALLY…
So, there we have it. Five ideas for charity that won’t cost you a thing (or very little at least). If you have any other ideas, be charitable, and let us know.
