Simple Ways to Help Others in Need

Most folks say they just don’t have the time to volunteer or take on more responsibilities, especially if they have a hectic full-time job and/or family. But no matter how busy your lifestyle is, there are still plenty of simple and easy ways to help others who are less fortunate or even brighten someone’s day.

The fall leaves are turning into a spectacular array of colors, alerting us that the Thanksgiving season is just around the corner. It’s the time of year when we count our blessings – we are thankful. It’s also the perfect time of year to pay our blessings forward. Even for time-constrained folks, here’s some easy ideas:

GOT BOOKS? THIN OUT YOUR COLLECTION of books that are just gathering dust. Donate your books or jigsaw puzzles to nursing homes or senior centers. I recently heard that residents of a local nursing home were putting together the same 3 puzzles over and over again for several years! They were delighted to receive an anonymous donation of used (and new) jigsaw puzzles.

Don’t have any books or puzzles to donate? Consider buying books (thrift store books can be inexpensive) and puzzles and donating them.

It doesn’t take much time to toss some books and/or puzzles into a bag and drop them off at your convenience. This easy idea will provide folks that don’t get out much, countless days of entertainment.

SPEAK OUT: Don’t have time to regularly help out at animal shelters, churches, senior centers, etc.? Many senior centers, churches, nursing homes, etc., have a volunteer speaker program. If you have expertise in an interesting topic, why not volunteer to do an occasional speaking gig? It’s a short-term commitment, perfect for someone who has a lot on their plate.

DOUBLE DUTY: CLEAR YOUR CLUTTER & HELP SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE by donating clothing and housewares. Most cities and towns have shelters that need donations. Also check with your local church to see if they have a donation program for the needy.

LONELY PEOPLE: Perhaps you have a neighbor or friend that doesn’t get out much. Drop off some fresh flowers, cookies or baked goods, etc. Getting carryout? Why not grab something for them too?

Did you make a big meal and have more leftovers than you can eat? Share them with a lonely neighbor or friend.

A CUP OF COFFEE: Ever been standing in a coffee line and realize the person behind you is having a really bad day (like they got fired, divorced, etc.) ? Help give them a breather with a simple act of buying that person a cup of coffee (or even a sandwich, donut, etc. ).

BAD FOOD: If you’re at a restaurant and the food is crummy, DON’T take it out on the server (they didn’t prepare it). In these tough times, servers rely on good tips just to keep afloat. Show them you appreciate “them” even if you didn’t appreciate the lousy meal! And don’t be too hard on the restaurant – cut them some slack – maybe they just hired a new chef or maybe their old one just walked off the job – let them make it right!

CUSTOMER SERVICE: If you’ve had to call customer service and someone has gone out of their way to be helpful, tell them how much you appreciate “good customer service.” There is so much “bad” customer service in the world today, that we should always make it a point to thank those customer service reps who are really on the ball. After probably listening to mean and demanding customers for a good part of their day, thanking them for a job well done is a sure way to make their day better!

GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT: Give companies or establishments that gave you “bad service” the benefit of the doubt – maybe they were short staffed, maybe they just a bad day – but give them a chance to “make it right” before you complain or go nuts on social media.

SPARE SOME CHANGE: If you see someone eating out of a trash can, you know they are in serious trouble – slip them your spare change or a few bucks if you can spare it.

LIKE IT? If you like someone’s outfit, dress, car or even their attitude, make their day by telling them! People light up when they are complimented.

DON’T FORGET THE ANIMALS: Rescue groups and local shelters are struggling to keep up with the influx of dogs, cats and other displaced pets. If you don’t have the time to volunteer at the shelter or can’t adopt a pet, consider asking the shelters and rescue groups what they need – i.e., cans of food, litter, etc. – then purchase some of these items and donate them. BEFORE YOU TOSS OUT SHEETS/BLANKETS: Maybe you’ve changed the colors or patterns of your sheets or blankets, or maybe they are still in good shape, but just faded. Check with your local animal shelter/rescue group to see if they would want them for the animals. If you donate them, please be sure they are freshly laundered.

BE THANKFUL: No matter if your day is good or bad, end it with a prayer of thankfulness. Being thankful and counting your blessings at the end of the day will help bring you peace of mind, giving you a better night’s sleep.

YES all those Old-Time sayings are STILL relevant: PAYING IT FORWARD, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND, REAP WHAT YOU SOW. It doesn’t take much to help out others or brighten someone’s day. This list should help get you started, I’m sure you can come up with a few more of your own!