A few years ago, my family’s finances were in such disarray that giving even a small amount seemed like an impossible stretch. Thankfully we made it through that difficult time with a lot of discipline and God’s grace, but that is a whole other post.
Perhaps you are finding it tough right now to be generous in this precarious economy. With a little creativity, determination and perhaps a mouse, you can find ways to give that will cost you nothing but your time.
Here are 5 FREE ways you can start giving today:
1. Give Blood. In times of crisis, it is an important reminder of the need to give blood. If you are eligible to give blood or have questions about donating, you can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit givelife.org.
2. Visit “click to donate” websites. Here are a few I recommend:
- Free Rice (Play the trivia game)
- The Animal Rescue Site
- The Breast Cancer Site
- The Hunger Site
- Welch’s Harvest of Help
3. Be a coupon fairy. While you are out shopping, leave an extra coupon or 2 on the shelf near the corresponding item. It is always a blessing to find an unexpected coupon for something you were going to buy anyway!
4. Plant a Tree- with Swag Bucks! I wrote about that here.
5. Join Freecycle. Freecycle is a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills. Post items you no longer need on the forums, and watch your clutter shrink while blessing another- no strings attached!
What other tangible ways do you give that don’t cost you a dime? I would love more ideas to inspire those participating in The 30-Day Giving Challenge.
For more frugal ways, visit Life as MOM.
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Great post – just a quick note to say that I’ve really been inspired by your 30-Day Giving Challenge. We’ve decided to make a sizable (for us, anyway) gift to our church. Giving is down and demands on our food pantry, etc. are increasing.
We’ve been blessed with a pretty good year, and really do need to be more intentional about giving back. It’s scary for me – we’ve struggled in the past and I fear letting go of even part of our nest egg. But you’ve inspired me to take the leap!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
November 7th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Abby, thank you for sharing your story. Taking that leap is tough, but I know it will bless you! My church is also in this position right now, so it’s important to remain faithful in our tithes and sacrificial giving. Way to go!
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Free Rice! I had forgotten about that!! I used to play all the time.. I’m going to do that right now, even though I’m supposed to be packing.
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I LOVE to be a coupon fairy– in fact, I just did it this morning! (And yes, I was counting that as today’s giving for the challenge!) There are other coupon fairies in my city, because I often find coupons that I can use sitting on store shelves. It’s kind of fun to know that someone left those for me, and hopefuly I have left some that someone else can use.
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Your time is always free, volunteer in an area you’re passionate about ( for me it’s community gardening). They may only ask a couple hours once a week or even once a month.
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Thanks to your challenge I’ve been able to give some of my talents to folks who need them! I’ve already helped over ten bloggers with headers and buttons… and it’s using resources I already have, so it’s not costing me anything!
if any of your readers are interested I still have spots available… I’m hoping to help 30 people.
http://www.goodtrueandbeautiful.com/2009/11/30-days-of-giving.html
thanks!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
November 7th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
WOW! Sharon, what a fantastic idea! I know of many bloggers who would love using your talents. 30 is a great goal, let me know how I can help get the word out if you need more participants. Bravo!
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I have a list here http://theprudenthomemaker.com/helpingothers.aspx
of ways to help others for free. Perhaps some of those will work for you!
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I nominated you for an award. Check it out on my blog at http://www.harvestfortomorrow.blogspot.com
Enjoy and great blog!
Amy
Amy Snyder´s last blog ..Children’s Defense Fund Stroller Brigade
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I don’t have any money, so the way I give is to save up all the free shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc etc from my CVS shopping, and give it to a women’s shelter and a Church pantry.
That helps them a lot, because they get food donations, but they don’t get the other stuff, which they desperately need.
Cathy´s last blog ..Re: Prayer for us
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
November 9th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Cathy, you are so right. They need toiletries just as much as food donations! Gotta love CVS.
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I love that you mention giving blood. Two of my children have received blood transfusions in the past, and it wasn’t until these experiences that I truly realized how giving blood is such a gift! I am so grateful that someone chose to give their healthy blood in order to help my child return to health! It’s an amazing gift! We now try to give blood on a regular basis–it’s one thing we feel empowered to do.
Jen´s last blog ..Grocery Strategy This Week–Roll the Deal on a Budget
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We are in a very, very tight time financially and I was SO blessed to find a $7 off coupon for formula sitting there among the cans one week at the store. I had a store coupon I could stack and was so thrilled! I like to offer coupons to the people in front of me in line if I have one for something they have that I’m not going to use.
I shared this week about being able to donate a little by doing some mega-couponing: http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/2009/11/when-not-to-go-to-kroger.html
Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..When NOT to Go to Kroger
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Thanks for providing a few creative ways one can give and in the same time, get rid of plenty of unwanted items that are only taking up a lot of space. This way I can make room for more important things that I really do need in the future.
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I second Vanderbilt Wife – you can do some great things with couponing. It’s helped me give back to a food pantry that has helped us get through a difficult period. On an emotional leve, it helps to “trade” (in a sense) some extra cereal boxes for other things our family needs.
Robbie´s last blog ..You call this work?
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What about Boxtops for Education? I bet most frugal couponers have many products sitting on their shelves with boxtops on them (I have a ton of almost-free potato mixes and fruit snacks, especially). Even if you don’t have kids in school, save them (I put mine in a clean baby food jar) and give them to a child in your neighborhood. It won’t cost you anything extra, and most schools are struggling right now. Every 10 cents helps!
)
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Kimber- I am kicking myself right now! Of course, BTFE is a great way to give for free and yes couponers can easily do so with their stockpiles. Thanks so much for mentioning this!
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Another great way to give back for free is the DoGooder from DoGood Headquarters.
http://dogoodhq.com
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It’s good to remember that we can give in both big ways and small; in ways that require a big sacrifice and in ways that require not much more than a click.
Thanks for pulling these links together to share with us!
Ann Kroeker´s last blog ..Food on Fridays: When the Frost is on the Punkin
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Thank you for the great inspiration and great ideas on how we can give, both big and small. Times are tight in my household, but after reading your blog I am so inspired to help and give in any way I can. I’m so happy that what started as 30 days of giving has spured me to continue past the month mark. I feel so gratified helping others! Thanks!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Diane-
I am so happy that I have the ability to share and inspire others. It is truly a gift from God! Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment.
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This is really an inspiring post Alyssa. This year we have decided to homemade the gifts like bath frizz, soaps and cookies for family and friends. I also made extra for the shelter and for charity drive. This is a kind of activity where all my family members get involved.
The other things that we have also started doing is recycling the unwanted items. It is really shocking to see all the things that are dumped in the trash nowadays. I also look fow ways to turn the empty plastic container, shoe boxes and glass bottles into useful item by giving it a new look
spagiftbaskets´s last blog ..Over the Hill 40th Bouquet of Cookies
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This is really an inspiring post Alyssa. This year we have decided to homemade the gifts like bath frizz, soaps and cookies for family and friends. I also made extra for the shelter and for charity drive. This is a kind of activity where all my family members get involved.
The other things that we have also started doing is recycling the unwanted items. It is really shocking to see all the things that are dumped in the trash nowadays. I also look for ways to turn the empty plastic container, shoe boxes and glass bottles into useful item by giving it a new look
spagiftbaskets´s last blog ..Over the Hill 40th Bouquet of Cookies
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