Giving While on a Budget

Though we normally think of giving money first, charities and local organizations can also use your time, used items and more.  Be creative - there are so many ways to give that are not only budget-friendly, but also meaningful and personally rewarding!

Volunteer your time.

• Big Brothers Big Sister
• Volunteer Match
• Network for Good
• Idealist
• Contact your Local After-school program or a Nearby Retirement community

Give away your things and share with someone else.

• For clothing and general items, and Goodwill and the Salvation Army for clothing and furniture that you're cleaning out of your home (a great idea!).  Some charities collect specific items.  The chart below (from LearnVest) shows a helpful list of organizations that collect specific electronic and other items:

Item	Where to Send It
Computer	InterConnection.org, I Love Schools, Recycles
Cell phone	911 Cell Phone Bank, Cell Phones for Soldiers, American Cell Phone Drive
Eyeglasses	Lions Club International, OneSight, New Eyes for the Needy
Suit Pants and Skirts, Blazers, Jackets, Blouses, Dress Shoes	Dress for Success
Car	Donate Car for Charity, Donate Car

* When it comes to taxes, remember that you can get a tax break on these donations if you itemize your deductions.

Give your health.

• Donate blood.
• Donate cut hair to Locks of Love or Beautiful Lengths, which will donate it to women with cancer who have lost their hair.  

Giving doesn't have to be done only by those who make a lot of money - anyone can give!  Those of us who are budget-challenged can be even more creative in how we give, and can identify even more with the power of a generous act.

Challenge yourself to think about how you can give this week in some way!