5 Free Ways to Donate This Holiday Season

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Many of us want to help those in need, but don’t have the money to do so. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can help those in need without spending a dime. Whether you donate your old coats or do a canned food drive, there are free ways to donate this holiday season.

 

5 Free Ways to Donate This Holiday Season

1. Donate Coats

Chances are you and your family have more coats than you need. You may have even purchased new coats at the beginning of fall. And we all know that kids need new sizes of everything each season.

Why not clear out your coat closet and donate the older coats to those in need?

Throughout the holiday season, you’ll see a variety of charities gathering coats for those in need. This is a great way to give back and help ensure people stay warm during the winter.

2. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

Another great way to donate is to donate your time. Volunteering at a soup kitchen can be a rewarding experience. People are needed to cook, wash dishes, serve food, and clean tables.

If you have spare time during the holiday season, this is a great way to give to those in need. My boys have helped at the local Thanksgiving Blessing event in the past. We always came home both grateful for all we have and amazed at how appreciative the recipients are.

3. Do a Canned Food Drive

Hosting a canned food drive is another great way to donate that doesn’t cost money. All it requires is your time.

You can host a canned food drive at your place of work – if allowed – or by going door to door.

Find a charity in need and find out exactly what they need. You can then ask people to donate exactly what’s needed. This will ensure that charities are getting items they’ll be able to use.

I have heard from a few recipients that they really appreciate healthy foods instead of some of the highly processed or sugar laden items some people donate.

4. Gather Donations for the Salvation Army (or other charity)

You can also use your time to gather donations for the Salvation Army.

You will need to contact the Salvation Army to get set up. All you need to do is stand outside of a location, ring a bell, and offer a happy greeting to those entering the building. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and gather donations.

My older boys did this as a Cub Scout activity years ago. Just like with the Thanksgiving Blessing program here, they came home full of holiday cheer.

5. Donate Items

Last, but not least, thrift stores are extremely popular during the holiday season. Many people do their holiday shopping in thrift stores.

If you have nice items that you no longer use, donate them. This is such a simple way to give back this holiday season. If you have high-priced items, you can also get a tax deduction.

I like to make a running list and snap photos of what I have donated. Every year, I end up with a nice little tax deduction. But, more importantly, I know that many people are blessed by my donation. Many think about the person who can get something they desired or needed for a good price. But, there are also the employees of these stores who are earning money for their families.

You don’t have to have a lot of money to help those in need. There are actually free ways to donate this holiday season. Whether you host a canned food drive or donate items you no longer need, you can help those in need.