Many long to give back to the community but feel unable to do so because of a shortage of time and energy. However, it actually is possible to become a regular contributor to the greater good by thinking outside the box and incorporating small ways of giving back into one’s normal, everyday routine. The key to this is breaking goals down into small tasks and reconsidering expanding what activities one considers ways of giving back.
One low commitment, easy place to start is simply by slightly altering one’s approach to online shopping at major retailers, such as Amazon. By participating in Amazon Smile, any purchase made will result in a charitable organization receiving 0.5% of the purchase at no additional cost. Another way to make giving back through purchases is by signing up for a fitness class that benefits the less fortunate by accepting donations for the cause instead of a class fee. By choosing to shop for day-to-day items at organizations that help others, giving back becomes an easy, automatic part of one’s regular routine.
A slightly more labor-intensive effort to give back while free time is limited is by cooking extra portions when preparing meals and giving the food to those in need. Local organizations, such as fire stations or homeless shelters, typically welcome food donations. Make sure to call ahead before dropping off food to for any group or charity as donations may have certain restrictions or times when food is accepted. Everyone has to prepare food for themselves at some point during the week so why not prepare a little more and give it to someone in need once or twice a month?
Lastly, a way to give back to others while not making a huge commitment is to donate any items no longer needed instead of throwing them away. Old clothes, books, and even electronics that are out of date are all items that the community desperately needs. There are added benefits to donating and minimizing items, such as a tidier living space and the relief of having less clutter.
Finding small ways to give back on a regular basis is still worth the effort because any help can make a difference to someone less fortunate!