5 Ways To Help Charities (That Aren't Donating Money)

We are leading into a time of year that many charities are in need. Often the problem I am finding (especially in these times) is that people struggle to financially give to Charities, but want to find a way to help.

I am a firm believer in the “Do what you can, when you can”, so finding other ways to help is a great option if financially it’s just something you cant do.

I actually grew up with little money in my family. We had 4 children and for a few years my mom was a single mother. But one of the best memories I have on a Christmas day was volunteering at a local soup kitchen as a family. This is something I dream of to do with my own kids. My youngest is still a tad young, but when they are ready we will be helping any way we can.

Donate what you DO have. This can be those extra clothes in your closet, like that jacket you hate but keep around for whatever reason. Donate it to a homeless shelter and keep someone warm this winter. Coats For Kids is a great cause to send them off to. Clean out the pantry of those food items you can spare or are not eating and take them to your local Food Bank.
Organize a drive. Take donating to the next level and organize a drive for a charity. Personally I’ve been involved in a few like Bundle The Bissell for a homeless shelter in Edmonton. We try and draw people out and donate while they come to get even MORE items sent to those in need.
Volunteer at a fundraising event or on location. Use your time to stuff envelopes going out to contributors or drive toys to those without during the holidays. Over a 2 day period Santa’s Anonymous Driver donates over 25,000 toys each year and needs drivers to deliver them!
Volunteer your time as a professional. Heather Innes the Lead Volunteers from United Way Calgary says there motto for volunteering is you Time, Talent or Treasure. Well if you have a special talent, maybe find a way to help out. In Calgary there are Calgary Tac Clinic Low Income that help low income families files their taxes with volunteer accounting professionals to ensure they get the most benefits possible.
Sharing that there is need. I get it. Sometimes we may find ourselves struggling and even time is hard to come upon. Two years ago my husband was laid off from his job and I spent every extra hour I could working to help with the bills. Reach out to friends and share with them a campaign that speaks to you. Share on your Facebook and Tweet away! The more people that know of the need, the more people we can find to help out.