6 Ways to Give Back in the New Year

Is it a new year, new you? If so, you may be wondering how you can make a positive impact.

Giving back can involve getting your hands dirty or be as simple as clicking a button and making a donation online. Countless organizations need your help, whether it’s your unique skill sets and expertise or a financial contribution.

Whether you’re looking for volunteer opportunities or ways to participate with your kids, there are several ways to give back and connect with your community in the new year.

     1. Raise Money for Charity

Raising money for an important cause is the perfect way to give back. Whether it’s for an individual in need, funding for community programs or advancing cancer research, you have the power to make a difference. 

Start by deciding your fundraising goal, then figure out the best way to raise money. Will you use a crowdsourcing website and share it on social media? How about holding a garage sale? Will your kids be involved in raising money for something important?

Consider inviting friends and family to join you in your fundraising efforts. Even if they can’t actively participate in an organized charity event, they may be an excellent source for donations. 

     2. Work at a Women’s Shelter

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in four women have been sexually or physically abused or stalked by an intimate partner. 

As you contemplate ways to give back this year, you may think about working at a women’s shelter. They provide a safe haven for those who have escaped domestic violence and other challenging situations. 

What are your skill sets? Are you able to maintain a high level of confidentiality? Are you good with people? Do you have excellent communication skills on the phone? Do you want to work in an office setting or in the field itself? These are all valuable skills that shelters desire. 

However, you should expect to undergo intensive training if you plan to volunteer at a women’s shelter. This may include topics pertaining to crisis intervention, education and advocacy.

     3. Contribute Money

If your schedule is a bit hectic, hosting crowdsourcing and charity events may be too much of a time constraint. Instead, you may want to look for opportunities to make financial donations directly. 

Of course, you’ll want to do your homework before giving to understand how an organization may use your donation. You can choose charities based on your interests or things that impact you and your family personally.

There may be other unique ways you can make a monetary difference, as well. For example, lottery ticket proceeds may go toward public education or help drive local economies, depending on where you live. 

     4. Donate Food and Clothing

Why not start your spring cleaning during the winter? You may be surprised to see how many lightly worn clothes you have hidden in the back of your closet. 

Rather than let things sit and collect dust or throw it away, pull out the clothes you no longer need and donate them to a Goodwill center or homeless shelter. Doing so takes no time, and your belongings will be rehomed to someone who can use them. 

Likewise, nonperishable food donations are a great way to give back in the new year. Feeding America estimated that about 42 million people would experience food insecurity in 2021. The next time you’re at the grocery store, purchase a few extra items and stop by your local food pantry to drop them off. 

Clothing and food donations are excellent opportunities to teach your children about giving back, as well. 

     5. Write Cards to Soldiers 

This year, practice gratitude by thanking those who’ve risked their lives to protect you. Several organizations collect cards and letters for military members, veterans and their families. They then forward them in care packages to our servicemen and women.

Make sure your message is positive and encouraging. Remember to thank them for their sacrifices and for dedicating their lives to our country. You may even include drawings done by your kids that demonstrate their respect and admiration.

Keep in mind that many of these soldiers are away from their loved ones for months at a time. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive an uplifting letter of appreciation from a stranger?

    6. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Humans aren’t the only ones you can give back to. You may be surprised at how many volunteer opportunities are available at your local animal shelter. 

Do you have free time during your lunch break or on the weekend? Animal shelters can always use volunteers to help walk or feed homeless pets, assist with training or even cuddle them for a while. Other volunteer work may include helping at adoption events, fostering or general office tasks.

You can reach out to your local animal shelter to learn about their volunteer requirements. Some may have set hours they want you to come in, while others may have age restrictions for handling animals.

Make a Difference This Year

Giving back is a rewarding experience that everyone can share. Whether charitable efforts are something new for you or a long-standing tradition, gather your loved ones to do something nice for someone else.