Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to encourage generosity and altruism.  The holidays are an ideal time to share our blessings and fortunes with others who may be less fortunate.  Many charities find this time the busiest of the year and funds are needed to help the great work they do, hence #GivingTuesday couldn’t come at a more opportune time.  Donations of any size can be life saving.

However, some of us may be on very tight budgets and unable to donate money.  No worries …. Giving Tuesday is not just about monetary donations.  There are TONS of meaningful ways one can give to help others.

Blood Donation

The winter season is a challenging time for many of our blood banks and every 3 seconds, someone needs blood. When one donates a pint of blood it can help save up to 3 lives. And it doesn’t cost a cent.

The American Red Cross is accepting blood donations. Local blood drives can be found at redcross.org.

Vitalant has locations throughout the country that can accept your blood donation as well. Contact Vitalant here.

Food Drives

Collecting non perishable food items from your pantry, neighbors or coworkers can be done quickly, easily and when taken to a shelter or organization can feed hungry and malnourished people in your community.

Clothing Drives

How many of us have saved our clothes from high school hoping we’ll fit into them again?  Well we won't ...so why hold on to a lost dream.  Tons of clothes in your closet can clothe those in need of the community…and an extra benefit is now you’ll create extra space in your closet.

Volunteer

Many shelters and charities need all hands on deck during this time of year.  Churches and temples organize community events as well and could use the extra manpower. Donating your time is worth hundreds of dollars for charities who sometimes need to hire people to help them accomplish the great work they do.

Host a Neighborhood Garage Sale

This is easy and fun where the neighborhood comes together to donate items they wish to sell, and all the money raised goes to a charity of choice.

Donate your Work

Some families could use a service or product that your company provides.  Offering a family in need of some surplus or an hour of your time could go a long way.

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Daliah Wachs is a guest contributor to GCN news, her views and opinions, medical or otherwise, are her own. Doctor Wachs is an MD,  FAAFP and a Board Certified Family Physician.  The Dr. Daliah Show , is nationally syndicated M-F from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday from Noon-1:00 pm (all central times) at GCN.