Guide to Giving This Holiday Season Without Spending Money

Giving Guide

Another holiday season is around the corner, and we know just what will get you in the holiday mood, enrich your spirit and change your outlook. We have some ideas about how to give back to your community that won’t cost a dime. Will it take some of your time? Yes and at the end of your giving, you may just decide the one who received the gift was you. When you give time to your local community, you meet people, learn more about the world outside your social circle, and in many ways, make the world a better place. It’s how change happens, one small action at a time. We’ve put together some ideas of simple, meaningful ways you can give back to your community that are completely free. And these gifts are priceless to the organizations that receive them.

Volunteer Your Time

Donating some hours of your time at a local nonprofit can be one of the most effective ways of giving back. Your local animal shelter, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and schools all welcome volunteers to help enrich their programs. You’ll be making a difference to people (and animals) that really need it.

Visit a Senior Living Facility

During the holidays, many seniors feel isolated as families gather to celebrate. If their families are unable to visit, they may feel depressed. Spending time at a local senior facility can benefit the residents immensely. You could help with everyday tasks, cook a meal or even provide entertainment. Many facilities have an events coordinator that you could check in with to see if an interest of yours aligns with a program they’d like to offer. Doing something you love (playing an instrument, demonstrating a skill, etc.) could bring joy to a roomful of people.

Portland

Scarborough

Augusta

Help a Child or Family in Need

This is a great choice if you want to help out some kids or local families that need assistance. Especially around the holidays, these organizations will be looking for extra help as they work tirelessly throughout the year to support those in need. Youth homes, women’s and children’s shelters, and town programs all welcome volunteers to help keep their programs running.

Participate in Charity or Fundraising Events

Around the holiday season, organizations increase their fundraising efforts. Find a cause you are passionate about and locate opportunities to help them fundraise. If the charity you are passionate about does not have a local event, make one! Many charities have resources on how to create a fundraising event in your community.

Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center (welcomeimmigrant.org)

 live in doesn’t need to deflate your budget. There are several simple and meaningful ways to give back to the community that are completely free.

Donate your time

Volunteering your time at your local nonprofit can be one of the most effective ways of giving back. Check out your local animal shelter, homeless shelter, school, etc. to make a world of difference to those who need it.

Visit a Senior Living Facility

The holiday season is a time for many families to get together and celebrate. Seniors in living facilities can feel isolated and depressed around the holiday season when family is unable to visit. Spending time at your local senior living facility can benefit seniors greatly. Helping with everyday tasks, cooking a meal, or even providing entertainment can brighten a senior’s holiday spirit.

Portland

Scarborough

Augusta

Help a Child or Family in Need

This is a great choice if you want to help out some kids or local families that need assistance. Especially around the holidays, these organizations will be looking for extra help as they work tirelessly throughout the year to support those in need. Youth homes, women and children’s shelters and town programs all welcome volunteers to help keep their programs running.

Participate in Charity or Fundraising Events

Around the holidays, many organizations increase their fundraising efforts. Have a cause you are passionate about? Pick your favorite and ask them about opportunities to help raise funds. If there’s an organization that doesn’t have one, maybe you can create a simple fundraiser for them! Many charities have resources on how to create a fundraising event in your community.

Posted in Community, Holiday