5 Easy Ways to Help Charities

What can I do?

There are many low cost or no cost ways by which we can help others. I have always been involved in giving back in one form or another and I like to think it is a part of who I am as a person. It's in my genes... I like to help...it makes me feel great!

Due to an unexpected change in employment (going from having a job to not having a job) I found myself unable to do some of the things I had done in the past. Money, or the lack thereof, became a factor in what I was able to do. I began to reconsider the process of "helping" or "giving back." It's not all about how much money I can give... there are so many other opportunities to give back and highlighting those opportunities is what this hub is all about.

1) HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE CHARITIES OR CAUSES YOU SUPPORT. These ideas don't cost a dime and require a very small commitment of your time.

• Include the url of the cause in your email signature line. Every email you send out will be an advertisement for your cause. When your email is received, the recipient will have the opportunity to click on the url and learn about your cause. I include the following url with my signature http://hshv.org/BountifulBowls.htm - Curious? Please check it out, it's a great cause!
• Start blogging! Blogging can be a very effective way to get the word out about your cause. I have started blogging and have found it a great way to get the word out. Check out my blog 1 Way Every Day if you get a chance.

2) CLICK-TO-HELP CHARITIES.  Another great way to give for free is by visiting the really awesome click-to-help charities on the web. Donations are made by advertisers on each site. Make sure you bookmark these sites and visit them everyday to support their causes.

• The Breast Cancer Site - click to fund mammograms for low income women in need.
• The Hunger Site - click to donate food to hungry people around the globe.
• The Child Health Site - click to provide healthcare to children around the globe.
• The Literacy Site - click to provide free books to children in need.
• The Rainforest Site - click to protect endangered habitat.
• The Animal Rescue Site - click to provide food and care to animals.

3) EARN $$ WHILE SEARCHING THE WEB. You can earn money for your favorite charity by searching the internet. It's very easy to do and again it doesn't cost you anything except a little bit of time.

• GoodSearch - you decide which charity you would like to help and start searching. Your charity receives about 1 cent per search. The more people searching the more money your charity makes.
• Search Kindly - you earn money for charities every time you visit this search page.

4) DONATE YOUR TIME & TALENTS. I may be short on money, but I have plenty of free time. Many organizations count on volunteers to keep their programs running. I have just recently started working with a local food bank doing prep work and distribution. It is very rewarding and it also reminds me that although things are tough right now, I still am very lucky... many people have it much worse than I do. Helping others gives you a great sense of accomplishment and perspective. Check out the Volunteer Match website and you can find many volunteer opportunities in your area. They have opportunities for all ages and interests.

5) GIVE LIFE.... GIVE BLOOD! Here is a simple one...it is free and it can be done every 56 days! Visit the Red Cross website to find out where you can donate blood in your area. When you donate blood you will be someone's hero. One donation can help up to 3 people!