These are straitened times we live in. Petrol prices are increasing, unemployment is higher than it used to be and it costs more money to do the weekly shop. It is a difficult environment for businesses that sell things to the consumer and charities are finding it even harder. After all, charity begins at home, right?
Well, there are several reasons why fitting charity work into your life one way or another can bring you benefits. Even if you think you don't have enough time or money, there are things that you can do to give back, that will also help your own life out.
Volunteering at a Local Charity Group
Studies have shown that taking time each week to help those less fortunate than yourself can improve your mood, as it helps you to appreciate what you have in life. It is easy to get bogged down with negative thoughts even when we have everything we need. Breaking the routine by helping out at a social club, meeting new friends by working in a charity shop and being genuinely thanked by those you help can make a world of difference. If you should find yourself between jobs, charity work is an ideal way to learn new skills and improve your CV.
Clearing Out Your Wardrobe
If you have clothes you once loved but which no longer suit you, or the kids have outgrown theirs, you should collect this together and donate it to charity. Of course, only clothing in good condition can be used. This means that people less fortunate can wear the clothes you no longer need, or they can be sold with the proceeds going to a good cause.
Pop Up Charity Boxes
These nifty little boxes are ideal for the kitchen or work place and are the ideal way to lighten your purse or wallet of small value coins. Just fill the box, then use the free post return address on it to send the money back to charity. This takes care of making donations to charity and reduces the number of pennies and two pence pieces lying unloved on the kitchen windowsill.
Helping the Kids Hold a Cake Sale
This can usually be arranged quite easily at your children's school and helps them to learn about charity giving, as well as how to run a simple stall. Arrange for your child and a few others to bake some cakes- childhood favourites like fairy cakes, rice crispy cakes, cookies and more – and set up a few tables to sell them at break time. The cakes don't need to cost more than 5p each and in my experience they are a lot of fun. What better way to spend a family afternoon then baking delicious goodies? And children love to play "shop". Then simply donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
So there you have it. If there is a way to introduce charity work into your own and your children's lives, grab the opportunity and enjoy the benefits.
Liz Strawford writing about charity work on behalf of World Vision UK.
