We read and hear the stories every day on the news. We see people on the street. The battered, the beaten, the lost… the poor, the hungry, the helpless, the voiceless and our first instinct is to think “I wish there was something I could do.”
What deters us from transforming the thought into action? Time? Perhaps you don’t have time, but you have other resources that might be life changing for someone. Every day is an opportunity to be someone’s answer to their prayer.
“We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.” – Steven King
Think outside the box. If you cannot physically lend a hand by volunteering, perhaps you can donate. It doesn’t have to be a large amount of money. It could be $5 to $10. Every little bit helps because it all adds up. Donations do not have to be monetary. I promise you, if you take a good look around, you possess something of no consequence to you that would restore hope and faith in the life another fellow human being.
Clean Out Your Closet
If you haven’t worn it in a year, chances are… you’re not going to. Look to your community and familiarize yourself with the nonprofit organizations like People to People Inc that discretely provide a pantry, clothing, and other supplies for members in your community that have fallen on hard times. You can use the extra space by purging clothes that don’t fit you, your children or last season’s apparel – whatever. Toys, books, electronics… someone can benefit from that old ipod or tablet from two generations ago!
Every county has a domestic violence organization that houses and provides counseling, and advocate services for survivors of violence and sexual assault. They accept monetary donations as well as donations of supplies, like for example: toiletries, bedding, clothing, food and even cell phones. Visit The Center for Safety and Change to get a better idea of what these great organizations accept.
If you don’t have time to look up what your local community has to offer, you most certainly can drop by your local church. Pick a church, any church.
Shop for a Cause
Okay, maybe you’re not a hoarder like me, and do not have anything to spare but you need things, like clothing, for example. Many organizations team up with apparel companies and the proceeds are donated to help others, among them are:
Check out some of these awesome organizations or Google some local nonprofit organizations that directly provide services to your community. Unfortunately, nonprofit organizations do not have the funding to facilitate advertisement which hurts awareness of their existence. With local charities and nonprofit organizations in your backyard, you must step up and take that celebrity spokesperson role to raise awareness and make a difference.
Much to Think About Nothing 