Categories
In This Post
How Can I Give Back to My Community?
Donate Money
Give Items
Give Your Time
How Can I Tell if a Nonprofit Organization Is Legitimate?
Let the Giving Begin
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During the holidays, we’re often encouraged to focus on others rather than on ourselves. After all, it’s called the season of giving for a reason.
To help you get into the spirit of the season, we put together this giving guide — not to suggest gifts, but to share some practical ways to serve your community.
How Can I Give Back to My Community?
1. Donate Money
One of the most common ways people give back during the holidays is by making a financial donation to a charity. It’s easy to do — just visit your chosen organization’s website and look for their donations page. You might even encounter people raising funds for charity in person at shopping centers or malls when you’re out gathering Christmas gifts.
Whether you give online or in person, this is an excellent way to support your community because it ensures the money goes directly to a cause you care about.
(We’ll talk about picking a reputable charity later in this article.)
2. Give Items
Donating items can also be impactful. This could mean giving away items you own but don’t use anymore, things you buy specifically so you can donate them, or items you craft yourself. Whichever you choose, your generosity will be especially meaningful during the holidays.
Items You Already Have
Consider donating items that you no longer need but are in good condition to local charity shops. (Think: clothing that no longer fits, toys your kids have outgrown, or books you aren’t planning to re-read.)
Many nonprofits use thrift stores as a fundraising arm, so your donation can help that organization fund its work in the community.
Items You Purchase
In the mood for a bit of shopping? This is the option for you.
Food pantries and soup kitchens always need fresh donations. Most nonperishables are accepted, but check your local location’s guidelines before heading to the grocery store.
Holiday Giving Trees (Christmas trees with local families’ wishlists pinned to them) are another great option that you can find at many grocery stores and shopping centers. These trees help members of the community who are in a tough spot to have a more comfortable holiday season.
The process is simple: You select a list, purchase the items on it, and drop them off at a specified location. The items are then given to the family who filled out the tree request. Some families request gifts for their kids, while others simply ask for essentials like toiletries and food. Either way, you can feel good knowing you’re helping families get what they want most.
Items You Create
Are you handy with a crochet hook or knitting needles? You could use that skill for good this holiday season.
Many organizations accept donations of knit/crochet hats, blankets, and other warm items around this time of year. Before you start crafting, reach out to see if there is a need you can fulfill.
Local hospitals, churches, hospice facilities, cancer centers, emergency housing shelters, and animal shelters may accept these donations.
3. Give Your Time
Giving your time to an organization or cause you support is another wonderful way to make a difference this holiday season.
Online databases like volunteersc.org are great resources for finding volunteer opportunities near you. Volunteer with a group or solo — every helping hand makes a difference!
How Can I Tell if a Nonprofit Organization Is Legitimate?
While most charities and nonprofits are honorable organizations, it’s smart to do a little research before you make a donation. Unfortunately, there are people who use charity as a front for scams, so you have to be vigilant when giving.
Here are a few steps you can take to make sure an organization is legitimate.
First, ask yourself if you’ve ever heard of the organization before? If it’s familiar to you, it’s more likely to be a real organization. If you’re just learning about it for the first time, be cautious.
Second, do some research online.
- A quick Google search with the organization's name and the word “scam” will often show whether people online have reported scams from this organization in the past.
- Check out the organization’s website. Does this seem like a real webpage for a real organization? Or does it use generic language and imagery without telling you much of anything about the charity itself?
- For further research, use tools like charitynavigator.org or give.org. These platforms offer details on nonprofits, so you can gauge their credibility.
Lastly, trust your gut. If something feels off about a charitable giving request, you can always say no. There are plenty of honest, worthy causes to support.
Let the Giving Begin
Everyone can make a difference in the community this holiday season. Why not try out one of the suggestions above? Big or small, every act of generosity makes our community a little merrier — and a little stronger.
This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
