Monday, November 17, 2008

Giving Without Spending a Dime


(Photo courtesy of Flickr)
This season is all about being thankful for the blessings in your life, but it should also be a time of giving to those who are less fortunate than you. Unfortunately, in this tough economy it’s often hard to find the extra cash that most of us think is necessary to help those in need. Well I am here to tell you that you can help those around you without spending a dime! Here are few ideas:
1. Offer to rake the leaves in the yard of your elderly neighbor.

2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Operation Nightwatch, located in Seattle, is one that I have served at in the past.

3. Donate your old winter jackets to a shelter such as the Union Gospel Mission

4. Call local hotels and ask for donations of soap and shampoo to give to local shelters.

5. Schools are low on resources and many kids can't afford school supplies. Ask local retailers to donate supplies to a school in their area.

6. Volunteer! Find a program that fits your gifts and your passions, and serve!

Here are some of my favorite Seattle volunteer and donation opportunities: Treehouse, Ronald McDonald House, YMCA, Agros International, Seattle Children's Hospital, World Concern

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