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Originally Posted On: https://oneloveapparel.com/blogs/news/9-ways-you-can-give-back-to-your-community-in-2023
Donating money is one of the most popular ways to give back. For example, GoFundMe cited that around $25 million was given to charities and nonprofits in 2022. That amounts to one donation per second.
However, giving monetary donations can be challenging for some people. There are multiple ways you can be generous and help out your community aside from donations. Giving back can be something as simple as mowing your elderly neighbor’s lawn.
Are you not sure where to get started getting involved with your community? We’re going to talk about our top nine favorite ways you can help those around you. Have a positive impact on your community and those who live there.
1. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Did you know that around 6.3 million animals go into shelters each year? Working with injured and neglected rescue animals is a great way to help your community. There are a few ways you can help out at your local shelter:
- Donate food, toys, and other items
- Give your time
- Adopt an animal
- Share support online
Animal shelters have to deal with astronomical vet bills each year. Another wonderful way to support them is by raising money.
You can raise money simply by sharing posts about an animal in need and directing your followers to a link where they can send money directly to the shelter. If you have experience in event planning, you can work with the shelter and local businesses to host a large fundraiser. You can include a silent auction in your fundraiser to gather more money outside of regular donations.
2. Donate Your Time
There are numerous organizations throughout your community that you can get involved with. One of the things you should focus on is what cause you’re passionate about. Working with an organization you care deeply about will help you feel fulfilled.
There are websites, such as VolunteerMatch.org, that can match you with different causes. Some of the areas you can volunteer in include:
- LGBT rights
- Youth and children
- Women’s empowerment
- Local arts
- Wildlife protection
- Health
- Mental health issues
You can connect with your local city council to find organizations in your area.
3. Give Unwanted Items to Charity
While spring is usually the time when people choose to declutter, you can get rid of unwanted or unused items all year long. Don’t throw things you don’t need away. Donate them to local thrift stores or charities.
You can donate a wide range of items, such as:
- Clothes
- Toys
- Household items
- Appliances
- Furniture
Check with your local thrift stores to see if you can arrange for them to come to pick up your items. This is especially helpful if you have large items you can’t transport.
Additionally, post pictures of your items in “free” groups on Facebook. Your community likely has a group dedicated to people looking for free items. You can help one of your neighbors out by giving them an item you don’t want anymore.
4. Help Your Neighbors
As we said before, there are different ways you can help your neighbors. Small acts of kindness go a long way to brightening someone’s day. It also helps build quality relationships with the people you live by.
Our top thoughtful ways you can help your neighbors include:
- Bringing over dinner
- Organizing a neighborhood block party
- Starting a carpool group
- Helping them bring their groceries in
- Moving a heavy piece of furniture
- Leaving flowers on their doorstep
- Offering to give them a ride
Doing something nice for your neighbors can have a domino effect. You never know how far the acts of kindness will spread once you get the ball rolling.
5. Spend Time in a Senior Living Community
Feelings of depression and isolation are common occurrences among the elderly. Volunteering in a local senior community can help prevent those feelings. You can also work with a senior center to get matched with a person who’s still living at home.
Some examples of ways you can help the elderly include:
- Driving them to doctor’s visits
- Getting their groceries
- Organizing activities
- Helping them complete their daily tasks
- Cleaning their home
- Cooking their meals
You’re doing more than enough to boost their spirits, even if all you do is watch their favorite tv show with them.
6. Coach a Local Sports Team
Youth sports organizations and your local parks and recreation are always in need of volunteers to coach teams. Coaching a sports team gives you extra time to spend with your child. You’ll also meet other families in the area, positively connecting with them.
7. Recycle Plastic, Cardboard, and Aluminium
Many people choose not to recycle even though there are services available in their communities. Even if you do recycle, you might be putting non-recyclable items into the recycling bin. Unfortunately, doing this can contaminate batches of recyclables.
Recyclable materials get converted into new products when you recycle them. This reduces pollution and the need to use various natural resources.
Look up the rules and regulations of your local recycling center. You can bring your items directly to them if your trash service won’t pick them up.
8. Work With the Homeless
Homelessness is an epidemic that affects every part of our country. Even the smallest gesture can make all the difference for someone homeless.
Some ways you can assist a homeless person include:
- Volunteering at a shelter
- Sponsoring a person’s stay
- Donating money for a deposit
- Helping them find a job
- Paying their bills
9. Pick Up Garbage
People tend to throw bottles, paper, and other garbage out of their windows while they drive. They also fail to clean up after themselves while in public places.
Organize a group of people to go to various places to pick up trash. You can sort what you find into the trash and recycle, disposing of the items appropriately.
Find Creative Ways to Give Back to Your Community
There is no shortage of ways to give back to those around you in 2023. Giving back doesn’t have to take the form of huge monetary donations. Helping out your community can cost just a little bit of your time.
One Love is committed to empowering each other while spreading love and respect. We donate to a cause or charity with every purchase at our shop. Shop our selection of high-quality clothes today.
