There are so many ways to give back to the community – you don’t have to be a big business or organization to do something for someone. You have the power, and it doesn’t take much time out of your day! So here are four personal ways that you can help with giving back this holiday season.
Plant Trees
Planting a tree is one of the most sustainable gifts you can give to the Earth. Trees are natural air purifiers; they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere, which helps reduce climate change.
But, of course, you can plant your own as well – giving trees requires less water than lawns or crops, so it makes sense for those in drought-stricken areas.
The Arbor Day Foundation has designated a National Tree Day on November 27th for you to plant trees in your area, and there are local organizations that provide this service. You can also find out where nurseries near you will sell trees or donate their services – call ahead!
If you don’t have room in your garden or access to a nursery near you, there are still ways that you can plant trees! Organizations such as the Arbor Day Foundation and Planting Justice will send free tree seedlings directly to schools – ask.
Volunteer at an Elderly Home
You don’t have to be a doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to volunteer at an elderly home. You may not be able to provide any services that they could use, but you can help by giving company and holding someone’s hand. There are so many benefits of this – the individual will feel valued and loved while you’ll enjoy their company and the feeling of being useful. You could also see if you could volunteer with an elder home care service to keep retired people company.
Contribute at Charity Events
If you’re not sure of what to do with your time and money, consider donating it to a charity event. You can buy something from an auction or raffle table, donate used goods that you no longer need in your home, volunteer during the event for free food and drinks – anything will help! These events allow people who want to help to do so in a casual way.
Be sure that you contact the organization and ask about their gift list before donating anything – some might have specific items they need, while others will want monetary donations.
You can read more about Jozef Opdeweegh to identify how to bridge the gap to those in need within your community. Alternatively, you can host your event! You may not be able to donate as much, but it’s still an opportunity for you to get involved and have fun.
Alternatively, you can host your event! You may not be able to donate as much, but it’s still an opportunity for you to get involved and have fun.
The easiest way to make an event is by asking your friends, family, or coworkers to participate. Then you can plan a time of day when people are more likely to be free – for example, Saturday mornings might work better than Sunday evenings because so many people will be at church on Sundays.
Perform Acts of Kindness
The world is a better place when we each take the time to perform an act of kindness. It doesn’t have to be big – you can do something as simple as holding up someone’s groceries for them in line, giving another driver a break at a four-way stop or sending someone flowers for no reason.
Acts of kindness are crucial to living in the present moment because they will force you to notice someone else’s needs instead of your own. This will make you feel good and help build trust between people when you give unconditionally without expecting returns.
Recycle Your Plastic at a Local Recycling Centre
Recycling your plastic bottles, cans, and other plastics is easy. Recycling plastics might not seem like a big deal, but it’s surprisingly easy, and the effects are enormous. Plastic pollution is one of the planet’s most significant problems because when people recycle, far less ends up in landfills or oceans, where they can cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Furthermore, when people start recycling their plastics, it increases the demand for recycling centres and encourages other people to recycle.
In conclusion, there are many ways that you can give back without having to spend your money. It just takes some intentionality and creativity! Be sure to consider all of the above points to invest in your community the right way. All the best!
