Compassion is one word that far too many people in today’s society don’t exercise fully. I think far too many people can’t empathize by showing sympathy and empathy for those who need it the most. One of the best parts of Personal Finance is being able to give back, in some way, shape or form. Giving is not only powerful, but if done right can become contagious.  Unfortunately far too people correlate giving with money. Truthfully if you want to give, it doesn’t have to be cash. Yes the times may be tough for some of us, but that should not stop you from giving. There are alternative ways of giving, let’s have a look at them.

Ways to Give Back

1. Donate your body. You can give blood at your local blood clinic. Specifically if you are the rare blood type, your blood is in need the most. Another way donate your body, is to donate your hair to cancer societies for those people who lost their hair due to cancer.

2. Volunteer. You can volunteer in many ways and give back to the community. You can volunteer at your local soup kitchen. Local soup kitchens are at most need for volunteers during holidays.

3. Give to Charity. Put money aside throughout the year to donate to your local charity of choice. Remember, it’s not the sum of the money that counts, but rather what you can afford. $50 donation is better than nothing.

4. Donate Clothing. You can donate your old clothing or clothing that you simply don’t wear anymore to your local Goodwill or Value Village store. You can also create your own clothing drive, by packing a bag of clothing and giving it directly to the homeless.

5. Food Donation. Clean out your cupboards of canned goods from food items that you simply have not eaten in months or that you do not intend on eating and donate the food to your local food bank.

6. Host others for dinner. We all go through tough times, so if you have  a friend, family member, former co-worker or neighbor that lost their job, invite them over for dinner, pack them left-overs and be a good friend.

7. Become a Big Brother or Sister. There is nothing better than taking someone under your wing and them becoming your protege. Seeing someone grow, being there for them and putting a smile on their face, can never be re-paid financially. You are shaping someone’s life.

8. Start a Food Drive. This is something that I’ve wanted to do forever. Collecting food at work and through friends to donate to my local food bank. You can do it too. Send out an email to everyone at work and your friends, get everyone involved and donate to those most in need.

9. Start a Clothing Drive. Much like the food drive, it works on the same concept. I participated in a clothing drive at work this past winter and it’s amazing how much clothing people donate that they’ve never worn and with tags on them.

How I Give Back

1. Donate to Local Community Center. I don’t consider my self as an overly religious person, but I do donate to the local community center. On top of it, I get a donation credit in return, which I can use at tax time.

2. Volunteer (Coach Soccer). This is the 6th year, on and off that I’ve coached kids soccer. This year I have the privilege of coaching a great group of eleven year old boys. Previously I’ve coached age groups anywhere from six years to fifteen year olds.

3. Donate Clothing. I like to purge through my clothing every four months or so. I get rid of my old clothing, shoes & accessories that I simply don’t wear anymore. In turn I get more room in my closet for new clothing items. (I am not encouraging for you to swap old clothes for new ones, remember savings first!! :) )

4. Cash Donations. I always like to donate my spare change to homeless on the street or the cadets looking for donations outside the grocery store. Simply if I have change or small bills, I will always donate them. My mother always has encouraged me, throw a $5-$10 bill on the  street corner behind you and never look back. That money will find it’s way to someone most in need and you will get back your goodwill when you need it the most.

How do you give back?

What do you think about those who have all the excuses on not giving back?

Eddie