6 Ways To Give

By Pinyo, on December 6, 2008

This article is part of an M-Network group writing project, the 12 Days of Christmas – Personal Finance Style. As the project moves through its days, I will be adding each article at the bottom of this post. We’ll be posting from December 1st to December 12th.

I know it’s tough to think about giving when we are in the midst of this global economic crisis; however, this is also the time that you can make the most difference by giving.  So if you can spare it, give it!

Photo by Mr. Kris via Flickr

1. Answer Santa Mail(s) At The Post Office

I am not sure if you can go to just any post office.  But a good friend of mine went to our local post office a couple of years ago to read through the mound of mails and he picked out a few.  He shared the letter with me and another friend and we decided to fulfill their wishes.

Yes, it could be a hit or miss thing, but if you take your time to pick out a letter that you can really relate to, making that wish comes through is a special feeling.

Here’s more information at USPS: Mailing (and answering) letters to Santa.

2. Invite Your Neighbors Over For Dinner

The economy may make it impossible for some families to get together this year.  You may have some neighbors that are spending this holiday season alone.  If you can muster the courage and open your heart, inviting your neighbors over is a great way to bring joy to their hearts.  This is also a great way to make a few friends; especially if you haven’t been all that “close” with your neighbors.

3. Donate To Charities

This one goes without saying, donating to your favorite charities is a great way to help out the causes that you care about the most.  The tough economy is putting a lot of strain on some charitable organizations — i.e., soup kitchens and homeless shelters — and they can probably use your help the most.  And don’t forget that charitable donation will save you a few dollars off your tax bill.

By the way, My Super-Charged Life is holding a giveaway where he will donate to your favorite charity.

4. Give Away Stuff You Don’t Use Or Need

If you can’t afford to give money, that’s okay.  You may have some old stuff that you don’t use or need.  Your local Salvation Army will take just about anything that you can spare.  And if they don’t want it, there’s always Freecycle.org.

5. Volunteer Your Time

Another way to give without spending money is by volunteering.  You can check out your local libraries, churches, non-profit organizations, and YMCA.  If you don’t feel like roaming the neighborhood to find volunteer opportunity, you can check out VolunteerMatch.  There are even opportunities for physically disabled individuals to share their skills and knowledge.

6. Be A Mentor And Give The Gift Of Knowledge

Last but not least is the gift of knowledge.  I guess it’s a little hard to plan this one unless you volunteer to teach somewhere.  However, if someone comes to you for help or advice, take the time to teach and point him or her in the right direction.  It always makes me feel great when I can help someone learn something new or be better at something.

Have your own ideas for more ways to give? Make sure you let everyone know in the comments!

And here are the rest of the 12 Days of Christmas – Personal Finance Style from the M-Network

• Day 1 – The First Rule Of Personal Finance at Paid Twice
• Day 2 – 2 Financial Goals – Less Debt, More Income at Cash Money Life
• Day 3 – 3 New Year’s Worksheets at Mrs. Micah
• Day 4 – 4 ways to be better prepared for Christmas next year at Gather Little By Little
• Day 5 – 5 Golden Rules To Follow During The Holiday Season at My Two Dollars
• Day 6 – 6 Ways To Give at Moolanomy
• Day 7 – 7 Savings Strategies at Being Frugal
• Day 8 – 8 Simple Snowflakes at Paid Twice
• Day 9 – 9 Year-End Money Moves at Moolanomy
• Day 10 – 10 Personal Finance Essentials at Cash Money Life
• Day 11 – 11 Ways To Decorate at Plonkee
• Day 12 – 12 Steps to a Prosperous New Year at Being Frugal

This article was featured in the Carnival of Personal Development #3.

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Pinyo is the brain behind Moolanomy personal finance blog and a few other web sites. If you like this article, please subscribe for free daily email updates.

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