The best ways to Give back to your community for the new year!

by Annie Brown

     The holiday season can be a insanely busy time where it seems nearly impossible to get any sort of break from your busy days, not to mention the cold weather that makes you want to stay inside all day when you do get a free day. Although this time of year can just feel like a never ending loop of cold weather and busy schedules, there is a wide range of opportunities around you for you to give back this holiday season by volunteering or donating! Below iv'e listed some idea put into categories from the busiest of schedules to the not so busy!

​Things to do in the evenings!
     The 9-5 schedule that many Americans work every day can result in an evening where it feels like there just isn't enough time to add anything else to your schedule. Lucky for you, there are many opportunities that you can take advantage of simply by taking a stop on your way home from work! Here are a couple of my favorites.

Visit an Animal Shelter!
     There are local Humane Societies hidden everywhere! Many will allow you to stop in and play with the animals! It doesn't cost you anything and not only does it benefit the animals you interact with but it can also have a positive affect on you! Not only does the love and affection of animals have a positive impact on your attitude but kindness is proven to also do that and relieve stress!
Find out more about The Humane Society of The United States at https://www.humanesociety.org/

Things to do in the morning!
     Along with jobs that occupy your mornings and afternoons, there are also some that consume your evening and leave your mornings bare! The question is, what opportunities are there to give back so early in the morning? 

Surprise a Friend!
     Surprise a friend or co-worker by bringing them a treat! It could be a beverage like a coffee or soda, or something bigger like bringing them lunch. Doing this will not cost you very much money or time but can really change the day of someone around you. Stop on the way into work, school, or where ever your final destination may be to do this simple act of kindness.

No time at all?
     At times it can seem like there is no time at all to add anything to your busy schedule but i can assure you that there is always time for kindness. One really popular way to give back to both the community around you and beyond is by donating online! 

Donate to Projects Online!
     One of my favorite websites to use to donate online is DonorsChoose.org. On Donors Choose, you can find local teachers seeking funding for projects! 80% of public schools in America have used this website and I believe it is super trust worthy!

Amazon Smile!
     Another way to donate online without directly donating money is by using Amazon Smile (Smile.Amazon.com). With Amazon Smile, you do your regular shopping on Amazon but a certain percentage of your purchase is donated to a certain charity! You can learn more at their website!


I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season! 

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