There’s always a need within your community, but it can be hard to find ways to give back outside of major holiday charity events. If you are feeling the desire to give back to your community, but are not sure where to begin, these ideas can give you the jumpstart you need.
Donate to a Local Food Pantry
Unfortunately, there are always hungry residents within your local community that are in need. Check with your local food pantry to see if you can donate any unexpired nonperishables. Pass along those boxes of macaroni and cheese that you haven’t touched since you went low carb. Remember, food pantries can benefit from cash donations as well. This allows them to shop for items that are still needed.
Call Your Local Animal Shelter
Animal shelters house many animals at a time and naturally go through a lot of pet food, paper towels to clean up messes and other necessities. Donate funds or goods if you are able. If you have a big heart for animals and want to give back in a more hands-on manner, consider fostering a pet to get it used to daily life in a home environment in preparation for future adoption.
Decide on a ‘Shop Small’ Day
Small businesses are the lifeblood of your local community and they are always grateful for your support. Decide on a specific day every week or month to “shop small” in some way. It can be a weekly dinner out to a locally-owned restaurant, a trip to the farmer’s market or a mom-and-pop grocery store, or even a few drop-in classes at your local dance studio. This is an excellent way to give back because you are supporting local families’ livelihood and also getting something fun for yourself in the process. It’s a win-win.
Donate Blood
If you are a healthy and eligible candidate, there may not be a more impactful and lifesaving way to give back than through donating blood. This is especially true in times of crisis. Luckily, blood donation only takes 8-10 minutes—with a little extra time to ensure recovery—and mobile blood donation centers can be found in convenient areas. Check the American Red Cross website to find a donation site in your area.
