With Americans increasingly looking for ways to cut back on spending in the midst of an economic downturn, charitable giving is likely to decline in the months ahead. At the same time, more people will need the types of assistance that many charitable organizations provide. But even if you can’t make the same kinds of monetary donations you’ve made in previous years, you can still make a difference by donating items you already own or can get cheaply – or by turning your unwanted stuff into cash.
Consider one or more of these ideas:
Donate Food
Since June, demand for food aid has risen 20 percent in areas of the country with the healthiest economies and more than 40 percent in areas with the weakest, according to the New York Times. First, find a food bank in your area. Then, go through your pantry and find the canned and dry goods that you don’t really need. At this time of year, many of us are earning free Thanksgiving turkeys from the supermarkets where we shop; if you don’t plan on using yours, consider donating that, too. Or try this: Every time you shop, buy one extra can of soup or box of cereal. When you’ve got a bagful, drive it over to the local food bank.
Donate Coats
As winter approaches, the warm coats gathering dust in your closet can become a greatly appreciated gift to someone in need. Find a coat-drive collection location near you; then scour your closet for the gently worn coats you and your family will never wear again.
Donate Cars
Most people haven’t got a spare car sitting out in the driveway. But if you’re considering selling your car, or even if you have a car that no one would buy because it doesn’t run, charitable organizations can turn your car into funds they need – and you get a tax deduction to boot. For more information, check out Charity Navigator’s Guide to Donating Your Car.
Donate Hair
It doesn’t cost you a thing, and your hair can be used to make a wig for someone battling cancer. The Pantene Beautiful Lengths program works with the American Cancer Society to distribute wigs to women who need them. You can attend a haircutting event or have it cut yourself and mail it in.
Donate Blood
Something else that costs you nothing to give – but it can save a life. The American Red Cross lists locations where you can donate blood in your area.
Collect Box Tops
General Mills' Box Tops for Education program is a popular fundraiser in schools across the country. If you have kids, you probably already save those little coupons on cereal boxes and other products. But what about your family, friends, and neighbors? They’ve all got Box Tops, too – and if they don’t have school-age children, chances are they’re just throwing those coupons away. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents to a school in your area. Considering that these are products people buy anyway, it’s worth the effort to collect those Box Top coupons from everyone you know and send them to a local school.
Sell Your Stuff for Charity
Your home may be full of stuff that isn’t directly useful to a charitable organization, but that someone somewhere would be willing to buy. Consider a garage or eBay sale. Turn your unwanted possessions into cash – and then turn the cash over to a charity of your choice.
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