Over the years I've heard people say things like "I don't have the money to give anything to anyone." Money isn't always needed. I get tons of stuff free at stores. You have talents. I'm sure there's a couple who would love for you to watch their child for a couple hours. You can pray for someone. There's lots of ways to give that don't cost anything. A hug to a friend going through a tough time. Listening when someone needs a friend. Saving Boxtops for Education for a local school. Saving Coke reward points for a local school. (If you don't have a school you are giving these to, let me know and I can give you the address of a school who could really use them.)
One of the ways I love to give is by getting free stuff either through sweepstakes or using coupons and being able to give them away. I know some people won't ask for help when they can use it, so I try to give directly as well as many times through organizations who provide Christmas gifts and such to children. A few years ago I was able to buy $1700 of games for $65. They went to a few different organziations for raffle items to help them raise money ("Family Fun Night" baskets). I gave some to a friend who didn't have the money to buy much for her children for Christmas. (Se nearly cried as she left with about $200 of stuff. My cost was about $5.) When I see a good deal, I jump on it. Did I need all those games? No. But someone could use them. That I knew. Same with the cereal deal I did last week. I was amazed at the number of people who asked me what I was going to do with all that!
Food banks are really hurting right now. In fact, to encourage giving, the West Virginia lottery is doing a "Give and Win" food drive. They do this nearly every year. November 10, 2010 if you take a non-perishable food item into certain lottery retailers you'll receive a free instant scratch-off lottery ticket. You can see the list of places HERE. It think it's a cool idea to raise awareness of food banks!
The only thing I often get free I can't figure a place to donate is over the counter medicines. I can give them to people I know, but other places won't accept them.
A few ideas for giving stuff you've gotten free:
- Toilet paper: churches, schools, Christian camps, homeless shelters, food banks, etc.
- School supplies: schools, churches
- Food: food banks, churches often help people who need assistance
- Toys: save for Christmas and give at Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, churches, schools can often use toys as prizes/rewards
- Pet Food: animal shelters, food banks (people often have pets even if they need assistance from a food bank)