We all know that the holidays are a time for giving to those you love and care about, but giving is a lot easier when it's not the end of the semester and you're living off of instant mashed potatoes. For most of us, the spirit of giving is alive and well, but we lack the funds to be as generous as we really want to be. We see the advertisements for non-profit organizations and wish we could help, but we push them to the back of our minds because we feel like we can't give enough to actually make a difference. But good news! It actually doesn't take a lot to make a difference, and there are more ways to give back besides just giving money. There are tons of organizations out there that need all the help they can get. To name a few:
Ronald McDonald House
You've probably seen the donation boxes every time you order french fries, but maybe you've never really known what they were for. Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit that provides housing and food for families of children who are undergoing treatement at hospitals. The house is either free or insanely cheap for families and their children who have to spend weeks or months in hospitals, keeping families close together through difficult times. Of course you have the option to donate money, but you can also give by volunteering to cook meals, play with the kids, clean, or just being there to help with whatever you can.
You can learn more at http://www.rmhc.org/
Feeding America
This organization is dedicated to, you guessed it, ending hunger. This nationwide network is leading the fight against hunger, with 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs and providing meals to over 46 million people each year. Not only do they provide food. They also work to actually solve hunger by helping those in need get to the root of their food instability and create a better life. You can give by donating cash (one dollar=eleven meals), or by volunteering your time and efforts at your local food bank.
Go to http://www.feedingamerica.org/ to get more information
Amnesty International
This nonprofit is a worldwide (hence, "International") movement of people dedicated to promoting human rights and fighting injustice. There are tons of campaigns you can get involved in for issues either here in America or in foreign countries. Actions taken by this organization could range from brainstorming ideas for change with others involved, or actually being on the ground documenting and fighting for change. You can get involved by joining various groups and campaigns, volunteering to aid a cause, donating, or shopping for products that have a purpose.
Check out http://www.amnestyusa.org/ to find out more
Goodwill
When you think of Goodwill, you might think of tacky Christmas sweaters and eight-dollar couches, but this organization is a lot more than a thrift shop. With each item donated and purchased, Goodwill helps create new jobs for those in need. 85% of the money Goodwill made from the clothes they sell goes towards job training, career counseling, resume preparation, and many other services. You can help support this organization by simply donating your old clothes and shopping at a store near you.
Information gathering can be done at http://www.goodwill.org/, Online shopping can be done at http://www.shopgoodwill.com
Habitat for Humanity
This faith-based organization's main goal is to provide a safe and affordable home for those in need all over the world, and they're currently operating in about 70 different countries. In gaining a home, these people also gain stability in one area of their lives, which can lead to a better life all around. Habitat Homeowners work alongside volunteers to either renovate, build, or rebuild their home. You can get involved by either donating or volunteering to build with your local Habitat for Humanity.
Get more details at http://www.habitat.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a massive mentoring network that pairs adults ("Bigs") with children from ages six to eighteen ("Littles"). Its purpose is to create positive relationships for the children involved so that they can be encouraged to live up to their potential. Through this thoughtfully matched and monitored program, Bigs and Littles are able to spend time together a couple times a month and create a lasting friendship that has a lasting positive impact on the child. You can donate money to this organization, but the biggest impact can be made by becoming a Big Brother or Sister to a child and giving them a great role model and friend.
Go to http://www.bbbs.org/ for information
In the midst of our busy and stressful lives, we can forget that we actually have it pretty good and take a lot of things for granted. Volunteering is a great way to put things in perspective, and these are just a few of the hundreds of organizations you can get involved in and give to. And always remember, it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference in the life of someone around you.
