While there are definitely families in need year round, the holiday season typically brings giving to the forefront of our minds. Maybe it’s because we’re busy thinking of gift ideas for family and friends, or simply looking forward to the together time that comes with the holidays.
Giving back doesn’t always have to involve monetary donations (although those are wonderful); here are a few ways you can make a difference in other families’ lives without making a financial contribution:
I recently won a raffle for a gigantic spa basket, filled with more toiletry products than I could possibly use. I filled a large bag full of the excess products, searched for a local women’s shelter (Laurel House), and called to schedule a drop off time. I was incredibly happy to be able to share my windfall with women in need, especially since many of the products were designed for pampering, but I discovered more ways to give during my visit. While the website lists the items they were accepting for donation, it did not include everything, as we found out on our visit. In addition to basic needs, the shelter also accepts children’s toys, something I would not have known otherwise.
As I write for a living, and have public outlets (my blog & social media), I offered my services (pro-bono) and left my business card. I have no idea if they will take me up on my offer, but this is a wonderful (and simple) way for me to give back.
We move frequently with my husband’s company, so we’re always looking for ways to pare down. Because we married later in life, my husband and myself entered marriage with two households of furniture, kitchenware, decorative items, etc. Each year, we go through our items in storage and build a large donation pile. Our preferred donation center is the Salvation Army, but every area has a multitude of charitable organizations who will happily accept your household donations. Decluttering your household is one of the easiest ways to donate to others in need!
Although our son is only two years old, we’ve already amassed a sizable collection of clothing, toys, gear, etc. I consigned in a local children’s consignment sale for the first time this fall. I loved the fact that I could select an option to donate each item I listed in the sale. Of the two hundred items I consigned, ninety percent of what I didn’t sell was donated to a local charitable organization. The consignment sale organizers made it incredibly easy to give, and I was left with an itemized spreadsheet (from my inventory list in their system) of all items donated, making tax deductions a breeze.
Included in the ten percent unsold items not donated, were cloth diapers. I have more cloth diapers than we can possibly use right now, and I chose to withhold them from donation so that I can either use them on a future baby, and/or donate to a cloth diaper charity, such as Giving Diapers, Giving Hope (if you’re in Canada, check out Cloth for a Cause).
Akin to offering my services pro bono, time is a valuable commodity. While you may not be in a position to give a financial donation, you might be able to volunteer your time in very valuable ways, giving back to those in need in your area. There are many websites devoted to listing volunteer opportunities, such as volunteermatch.org, making it easy to find a local organization in search of help.
This Thanksgiving, we’re teaming up with some of our favorite brands to help feed 100 families through the Scary Mommy Thanksgiving Project. And we’re giving away a Kindle Fire!
Join Our Mission
From helping to spread the word to making a donation to feed families, there are several simple ways to join our mission!
1. Spread the Word on Facebook
If you’re on Facebook, click here to share our message from the Boogie Wipes Facebook page.
Or – just copy and paste this onto your wall:
I’m joining the Fresh Families mission and helping to feed 100 families for Thanksgiving through the Scary Mommy Project. Click here to see how you can help too! #Feed100Families http://www.boogiewipes.com/?p=615
2. Spread the Word on Twitter
Copy and paste this as a tweet
Enter to win a Kindle Fire & help feed 100 families for Thanskgiving http://bit.ly/1x4ww4N @ScaryMommy @BoogieMom! #Feed100Families Or – just CLICK HERE TO TWEET THIS
3. Spread the word On Instagram
If you’re on Instagram, like our photo here.
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