The Giving is Free

Think you need to spend money to help someone out? Think again! There are likely ways that you can reach out to someone else without spending a dime. Here's a few ideas to get you started, but I'm hoping you'll add some ideas of your own in the comments below. Let's see how many ways we can come up with.

Got an old cell phone? Donate your old phone to help soldiers phone their families back home. Find a drop off location (or set one up in your community) here at Cell Phones for Soliders.

Have a pair of no-longer need eye glasses? Share them with someone who does need them but can't afford a brand new pair. In addition to the Goodwill, Lenscrafters will make sure they find themselves a good home.

Has your child transitioned out of diapers but you still have half a pack of size 4's? Google "diaper bank (your city here)" to find a drop off place for unused diapers near you. They help mothers who need a little help with the basics for their babies.

Shop at Safeway? Make sure your Safeway card is tied to their eScrip program to help raise much-needed funds for a child's school. There's no additional cost to you, but each time you shop at Safeway, the school of your choice raises funds.

Fall Cleaning soon? Cleaning out our closets, getting rid of clothes that don't fit, toys that our children have outgrown, or things we just don't need anymore can be donated to a long list of charitable organizations in your neighborhood. Besides the usual Goodwill or Salvation Army, look for shelters or churches.

Do you have too many books that you've already read? Donate them to your local library or school. Whether they'll sell them to help raise money, or put them out to share, you'll pass on stories for someone else to enjoy.

That should get you thinking about things. Now, look around and find a few things you no longer need or use and share them with someone else.

Comments

[Jodi]

I have a whole big garage area filled with giveaways. My next step is to sort and decide where it all goes. Thanks for a great list and the great reminder!