Perspective

50 ways to be charitable every day

These days, there are more ways to help others than ever before, with 1.5 million nonprofits registered in the U.S. alone. Many of these organizations provide opportunities to give with just the click of the mouse.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that Americans gave $410 billion to charity in 2017, or that in 2018, 77.4 million Americans volunteered to help those less fortunate, logging 6.9 billion volunteer hours.

With so many choices available to get involved and give back, busy individuals might have a hard time narrowing down their options. With that in mind, Stacker has put together a list highlighting some everyday options for being charitable. To compile this list, Stacker set out to find causes that are possible to support on a day-to-day basis, are widely accessible to readers across the U.S., and manageable for all income levels. Stacker has highlighted the simple, the convenient, the creative, and the most unique opportunities to pay it forward. Check your schedule and maybe even grab your wallet, there’s something to inspire nearly everyone in the article ahead.


Plan a swap with friends

At first, getting friends together to trade may not seem like a charitable act. In reality, swapping makes great use of what’s already been created which saves energy, packaging, and money. Clothing swaps are especially popular, but trading goods, toys, and other items can work, too.

These little libraries make up the world's biggest book-sharing movement.

Consider a little library

Little Free Libraries, dubbed “the world’s largest book-sharing movement,” expand traditional library values of reading and community to neighborhoods across the U.S.. Although some Little Free Libraries have received pushback from community members, many folks are still embracing the trend.

Donate a personal item

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure, which is another person’s charitable donation, or so the saying goes. If you have unneeded items like toys or household goods in new or gently used condition, there are a number of ways those items may help someone else. Try keeping a bin or box in a closet at home to collect items as you go and make the process less daunting.

Pick up litter, with a twist

Those interested in helping the environment and tending to their overall health may be interested in plogging, a new trend originally developed by Sweden’s Erik Ahlström. It’s easy enough; while jogging, keep an eye out for trash and litter, and pick it up as you go.

Offer a skill or trade

Professional knowledge and abilities can serve more than just an employer. A wealth of technical, creative, and industry-specific skills can be shared with nonprofits, churches or other ministries to advance missions that matter.

Read the full story at Napa Valley Register.
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