Consumer Tips, Tricks & Articles

Finding Ways to "Give" When Times Are Tough

There are people around the world who would give more to charities, make more donations to causes they believe in, and just generally "give" more - if only they had the means to do so. People who are experiencing (or have gone through challenging times in the past) times of financial difficulty are often the same people who would give, because they understand how important it is.

While charitable causes and families who are struggling financially exist year round, it's often brought into focus during the holiday season. If you are someone who would like to give more, but don't feel you have the extra financial means to do so - maybe some of these ideas will make it possible for you to give a little more despite difficult times:

Give Outgrown Clothing: Families with children regularly have clothing that has been outgrown. If it's still in good shape (most of the time children outgrow their clothing so quickly that it doesn't have a chance to get in bad shape!) there are many organizations that would be grateful for contributions of clothing. You can give to:

The Salvation Army
Goodwill
Local Thrift Stores
Local Churches
Local Hospitals

Canned Goods & NonPerishables: Most families have a cabinet or pantry of canned and boxed food items. Even if times are tough, chances are you can afford to give a couple cans of corn or a box of macaroni and cheese to someone who is having an even more difficult time than you, right? Look for local food pantrys/food banks as they are always accepting donations, or contact a few churches in your area to ask if they accept food donations for families who need it. You may not be aware of it, but chances are your community has a food bank for families who hit financially tough times to stop in and get a bag or two of food to help them through. These organizations rely on contributions from other families.

Also keep an eye out for notices in your mailbox - the post office will often host a food drive and collect canned goods through your mailbox, and the local Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop may request donations from time to time to give to food banks, as well.

Donate a Used Cell Phone: Verizon Wireless accepts donations of used cell phones from any provider, in any condition. They refurbish and sell them, or recycle them. Wireless phones with airtime is donated to victims of domestic violence, and proceeds from the sale of refurbished phones are given to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

Give Your Used Bike: Did your children grow out of their small bikes? Did you purchase a bike but realize you never ride it? Pedals for Progress accepts used bikes and ships them overseas. It keeps them out of our landfills, and gives people in developing countries a method of transportation that is environmentally friendly.

Donate Used Toys: Contact local organizations and ask whether they accept used toys - some of the organizations that are often in need of used toys include: