Charity doesn't require money, just a few hours of your time. Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or shelter during the holidays provides much needed extra help when resources are low. Donating gently used clothing, toys or non-perishable food items you no longer need can make a family's holiday season and help those in need.

1. Charity doesn't have to cost a thing, except for a few
hours out of your schedule. Instead of exchanging
expensive gifts this year, organize a family-and-
friends trip to a local soup kitchen, shelter, or
donation center.
Community organizations like these need extra
manpower during the holidays. The weather is
The season of giving is here, and because of a still-sour colder, food is more scarce, and those in need have
economy, most Americans wish they had a little more to fewer options to get a warm coat or a hot meal. You
give than they do. could be the difference between a happy holiday or
another hungry night for families in need.
The truth? We all have a lot to give - more than we
might think - because generosity isn't limited by the
balance of your bank account.
Presents under the tree are nice. But if you believe, like
Spring cleaning is a good idea, but it doesn't do as
we do, that the best part about the holidays is the
much good as a winter sweep could. Spend some
chance they give us to reflect on and remember what's
time with your family or friends going through your
most important in our lives, consider bypassing long
wardrobe and closets. If you haven't worn or used
lines at department stores. Instead of gifting, make this
something in over a year, chances are, you won't
year about giving. Here's how.
miss it when it's gone.
Donate gently used coats, clothes, toys, and any
unopened packaged and canned food you find to a
local shelter, church, or charity. It won't cost you a
dime and could give a family an unexpectedly - and
There are thousands of reputable charities out there much needed - happy holiday season.
who need your help, especially at the holidays. To find
one right for you, try Charity Navigator
(charitynavigator.org). They rate charities on how they
use donations and how many people they reach.
Besides making a real difference for people in need,
giving to charity for the holidays makes a powerful and
meaningful gift. Most will allow you to donate in
someone else's name and some provide gift cards and
certificates when you do. There couldn't be a better
present than knowing you've done something great for
someone who really needs it.
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2. You may want to volunteer or donate to charities this
season, but figuring out where and how can be tough.
Visit allforgood.org and get your search started for the
holidays. It's a comprehensive search engine for
volunteer opportunities, and it's one you can trust: even
the White House's site links to it.
Just visit the site, type in the kind of charity you're
looking for (soup kitchen, for example) and your zip
code. Next, the site finds local organizations looking for
your help.
For more about community service and how you can
get involved, year round, visit www.serve.gov.
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