by Wesley Watkis
http://www.thewandwgroup.com
©
2009
Finding ways to continue charitable giving during a
recession can be rough. Times are probably tough for you and your family, but
they are equally hard for charities. Many of these organizations help people who
cannot help themselves or who don't have enough money to meet their most basic
needs. When the economy sours, these charities struggle to find the necessary
resources to keep the help coming. There are a few ways, however, that you can
continue giving and still have enough left over to take care of yourself.
Reduce
amounts, but still give - Perhaps you used to send a large check to your favorite
charity, but can no longer spare the money. You don't have to give a large gift
in order to make it worth the effort, however. One very effective way of continuing
charitable giving during a recession is to plan small amounts that you can give.
If you can pare down your expenses to find the money, or even find ten dollars
in a month to give, the charity will be glad to have it. It's not how much you
give, it's giving what you can, and even that small amount can make a big difference
in someone's life.
Consider in-kind donations - If no amount
of money is available in your budget, what about giving away some of the items
clogging your basement? Many charities will take donations of any usable household
items, which they can sell to raise cash. They'll pick it up, and not only do
you not have to hold a garage sale to get rid the clutter, but many of those items
are tax deductible. Be sure that you are only giving away items in good order,
however. Sending broken items forces the charity to pay money to take it to the
dump, and actually takes money away from they people they are trying to serve.
Time
is money, too - Your budget may be under so much stress that you have no spare
cash and you've already sold your extra items to make money for your own needs.
Your time, however, won't cost you a thing. Even if it's not money or food you
are giving to the food bank, for example, they still need volunteers to sort through
the donations and to make packages for those in need. Many other types of nonprofits
are also desperately in need of volunteer help, and volunteering is a fabulous
way of continuing charitable giving during a recession. You may not have the resources
to give material goods these days, but you can still help people in need.
Continuing
charitable giving during a recession isn't always easy. Many people are feeling
the pinch, and finding the money to give may not be possible. With a little creative
thinking, however, you can still find ways to give. Small amounts of money, unused
household goods, or just your time can show your spirit of generosity. Times may
be tough, but even the smallest of gifts can make a tremendous difference and
contribute greatly to your own wealth satisfaction.
