Ways You Can Give Back To Your Community

It’s easy to become sucked into your own everyday activities and checking off boxes your to-do lists. However, it’s important for middle and upper class people to look beyond themselves and be grateful for the fortune that they have. If you fall into this category, take advantage of your position and use it to give back to your community in these ways.

Support Stores That Give Back

There are many clothing stores like TOMS NYC that give a portion of their sales to charities. Some companies run a “one for one” style charity. Every time you buy one of their products, they donate that same product to a child or family in need. Some stores make sure their clothes are made handmade in humane conditions by women in impoverished countries like Ethiopia, Uganda and Costa Rica opposed to Chinese factories.

Volunteer at Local Organizations

No matter where you live, there are plenty of organizations that are non-profit, do great work for the community and in need of volunteers. If you love animals, volunteer by feeding puppies and kittens at the local animal shelter. Help serve food to those in need at a nearby soup kitchen or food pantry. If you have any skills such as dance, crafting or cooking, volunteer to teach a class at a nursing home or a school district in a lower income area.

Donate Items You Don’t Need

If your house is cluttered with items you no longer need, consider donating them. Check out the charities that your local church is working with. They may need toys, food or Christmas gifts. Bring clothes to a nearby thrift shop. Libraries accept books and DVDs to donate to families and schools in need. Even doctors offices accept used eyeglass frames to donate to charity.

When you decide to give back to your community, you will feel immediate satisfaction. Make donating and volunteering and conscious habit.