Giving Season: Ways to Give Back This Season and All Year Round
Maybe it’s because we’re living in backward times, but it seems like the holidays have crept up even earlier this year. As soon as Halloween was over, people started putting up their Christmas decorations and we’re actually not mad about it. We have to do what we need to do to find joy during COVID times, right?
Thanksgiving time usually brings on a trend that’s known as “Giving Season.” You know how you feel extra thankful and have warm fuzzies this time of year? Many people count their blessings and want to spread that love to others. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that started 2012. On the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following the popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday, people are encouraged to do good in a number of ways. The end of the year is also a reminder for people to fit in donations to write off on their tax return.
So how can we help give back this season? Here are our five recommendations, as well as how to keep the momentum going into the next year.
Give Your Money
The first thing people think of when giving is donating money. Think about what causes matter the most to you and how donating your dollars can help them meet and exceed their goals. Maybe a friend is holding a fundraiser that holds a special place in their heart. Research how the organization will utilize the money you give them. If you can swing it, consider making your one-time donation a recurring payment to distribute monthly or quarterly.
Give Your Time
If you’re strapped for cash, consider giving your time instead of money. Many non-profits don’t have the funds to hire a lot of staff and are often looking for volunteers. See if your local food bank needs help sorting through donations or if the food pantry or kitchen needs help to hand out meals. Walk dogs at an animal shelter. Bring a trash bag and some gloves with you on your hike and pick up trash.
Volunteer Match is a great resource to find opportunities in your area.
Give Your Voice
It is very clear this year that our voices matter more than ever. Think about the issues that matter most to you and use your voice. Share useful and actionable steps to social media (just be sure to check and cite sources!). Write letters to your local officials urging them to fight for the causes you care about. Join a protest so your collective voices can be heard loud and clear.
Give Your Talent
Got an eye for graphic design? How about event planning? Do you like building websites? Many organizations are looking for these skills to help grow their platforms. Taproot Plus lets you search opportunities and filter based on skill and cause. The work you produce is also a great boost to your portfolio.
Give Your Goods
Giving can start right in your pantry, closet, or garage. Have clothes you’re no longer wearing but are still in good condition? That could help someone else dress well for work. Do you have extra pantry items collecting dust? There’s actually a lot of food that is good past their expiration date that can be donated. Rally your friends and neighbors with a donation drive to drop off at a local shelter or food bank. Just check with the organization first to see what items they need the most.
If you’re feeling stumped or overwhelmed with where to start, we suggest thinking about these three things:
What matters most to me?
What are the most immediate needs in my community?
How much time can I commit?
From there you’ll be able to outline a path that will work best for you while being able to help the needs of your community in the long run.
Good luck, and share in our comments how you plan to give back.