When thinking about what to write, I realized the tendency to believe the only way to make a difference in the world is by taking time out of a busy schedule or money out of a strained bank account was greatly inhibiting the potential to change the world piece by piece. I hope you are able to see that you can make a difference with easy day-to-day activities.

1. Write letters

There are so many people who need a kind word or thought. Organizations like Girls Love Mail, which is dedicated to delivering letters to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and Operation Gratitude, which sends letters to currently deployed troops, new recruits, wounded warriors, and veterans, provide unique opportunities with very limited requirements. Easy, quick, and you’ll put a smile on someone’s face.

2. Collect coins

Remember going penny hunting as a kid? You’d be amazed how quickly the change you save will grow. This is a good way to save money, but also a good way to set aside money for charities without actively spending money. Donating to charities as a college student is really hard, but keeping a Charity Piggy Bank makes it easy.

3. Recycle

We’ve heard this since third grade, but recycling does make a difference. Learn the rules for recycling in your building, city, state, and go for it! If that makes you feel good, try creating a compost pile, especially if you have a garden! The environment is saved one person at a time.

4. Use your skills

Are you crafty? There is a huge demand for handmade items. For example, Binky Patrol is an organization which gives handmade blankets to children in need. There is no expertise necessary. If you knit, crochet, or sew, many hospitals are in need of baby clothing, and chemo caps for cancer patients. Other organizations provide handmade clothing to diverse peoples in varying situations.

5. Blog about it

Blogging has become a rising pastime for many people, as an open forum for them to talk about whatever they want. Those with many followers can make a great deal of difference by posting important news stories, providing people with links to charities, or alerting people to local events.

6. Promote on Social Media

Similar to the blogging concept, social media provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the community. Share topics of interest, and spread the word of worthy causes.

7. Clean out your room

Spring cleaning provides a wonderful opportunity to get rid of things you never use, things that other people could use. Instead of throwing things away, donate used items to a local GoodWill, D.I., or homeless shelter.

8. Get informed

One of the most important things you can do is get informed. Watch the news, read it on the News app, or listen to NPR. Know what is going on, so you know the best way to take a stance. There are so many different causes to get involved in, but you need to know which organization is providing the best solution.

9. Walk/Run a 5k

Many 5k runs are fundraisers for good causes. This is a great way to get involved, and have a fun, one-time activity. Most communities will post information about these events on common bulletins and online, so keep an eye out.

10. Play Games

One of my favorite ways to be engaged in a good case when I only have a few minutes is playing on freerice.com, which donates 10 grains of rice to countries in need each time you get a question right. Other organizations exist which provide the opportunity to participate in surveys or games, after which the organization will donate goods or funds to a charity.