No matter where you live, you’re unlikely to find a shortage of charity options during the summer months. So, if you’ve been itching to give back to your community, summer is the perfect season to do so. However, if you’re relatively new to charity work, you may not know where to start. Fortunately, you should have no trouble finding the following charity options in your area.
Take Part in Food Drives
You should have no trouble finding summer food drives in your area. For example, many schools, churches and small businesses are liable to have food drives going throughout the summer. Even on the off-chance that you’re unable to find any summertime food drives in your area, you’ll always be able to donate food to local shelters, soup kitchens and places of worship. In the interest of stamping out hunger and food insecurity, you should also consider contributing to a national or state level food-based charity, such as Food Bank of North Alabama.
Help the People Closest to You
The adage “Charity starts at home” is popular for a reason – it’s true. Before attempting to bring about positive change on a grand scale, it’s important to take stock of the people around us and tend to their well-being. So, if you know of any friends, family members or neighbors in need, do what you can to make their lives easier. For example, if someone you know has suddenly found themselves unable to drive, consider taking them on driving errands or simply running said errands for them. Similarly, if someone close to you temporarily needs a place to stay, they’re sure to appreciate you opening your home to them.
You should also make a point of regularly checking in with the people around you. Because many of us go long periods without contacting certain friends and family members, we’re often unaware of important developments in their lives or the problems they’re facing. Additionally, if anyone in your life is currently struggling with mental health issues, do your best to point them in the direction of professional help and let them know that they can always reach out to you.
Volunteer at Local Shelters and Soup Kitchens
You’d be hard-pressed to find a homeless shelter or soup kitchen that isn’t in the market for enthusiastic volunteers. Furthermore, there’s no shortage of ways for volunteers to assist such establishments. From sorting donations to preparing meals to processing new arrivals, there’s plenty to be done at most shelters. So, if you have the time to spare, odds are your local shelters and soup kitchens will greatly appreciate your assistance.
Even if you’re unable to donate your time, you may still be able to help out. Many shelters and soup kitchens are always accepting food, money and clothing donations, and if you’re able to spare any of these things, you’ll be doing shelters and their residents a tremendous service.
Donate Unneeded Electronics
These days, it seems like the average household is home to more gadgets than ever before. From smartphones to smart watches to smart TVs, many of us have more electronics than we know what to do with. Furthermore, given how quickly certain types of devices become outdated, not all of the electronics in our homes are actively used.
So, if you have any unneeded electronics that are still perfectly usable, why not donate them? After all, these devices aren’t doing anyone any good collecting dust in a closet, and there are many people for whom these electronics will make a positive difference. Even if there are no dedicated donation centers for electronics in your area, many shelters and churches will happily accept them. There are even national charities dedicated exclusively to re-homing old electronics.
Improving the lives of people in your community is a truly noble summertime goal. Of course, even if you have the best of intentions, it’s possible you’re unclear on where to even begin. Luckily, most communities are home to a plethora of summertime charity options. From picking up litter to helping out at schools to feeding the hungry, there’s no shortage of options for those looking to give back this summer. So, if hands-on charitable endeavors are what you seek, take care to consider the options outlined above.
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