When times are tough, there are still ways to give.

A recession can be a difficult time to give, but it is also the most important time to give because so many people are in need. Recessions can impact people through job losses, the inability to feed their family and pay their bills. By giving, you can help those who are less fortunate to survive during a recession.

Acts of giving can come in all forms.

But how do you give when you have less? The beauty of being charitable during a recession is the fact that not everything has to be monetary. There are many different acts of giving that you and your family can participate in if you have the good fortune to do so. Let’s go over some traditional and non-traditional ways of how to be charitable in times like these. 

Donate your unused goods.

One of the best ways to be charitable during a recession is by donating your unused goods. Many people store away goods like furniture, college textbooks, and home appliances that they have no use for. Instead of letting them sit in storage, consider donating them to your local nonprofit organizations. 

These organizations have the ability to reach out to the community and get them to families who need them most. An old refrigerator that is sitting in your garage not being used can make a world of a difference in the life of a family who can’t afford one. 

Donate a car.

Like your unused goods, cars that are not being used can also be a lifesaver for families who are in need of a car. There are a variety of organizations, including Donate a Car to Charity and Vehicles for Veterans, that help get your unused car to a family or veteran who can get some much-needed use out of it. When you donate your car, you give someone the ability to get to work or take their children to organized activities. 

Make a donation.

If you have the good fortune to be able to donate money, then that can be one of the best ways to be charitable during a recession. There are great organizations like the Mile High United Way nonprofit that allow you to give monetary donations to their fundraisers. Organizations like this are great at assessing the needs of a community and donating the appropriate goods. Oftentimes, fundraisers are specific so you know exactly where your money is going to. 

Give your time.

Not all your giving needs to be monetary. One of the best ways to be charitable during a recession is by giving your time. Here are some ideas: 

Write cards to local nursing homes.

Nursing homes are one of the most vital parts of any community. Unfortunately, residents there can sometimes feel alone. One of the best ways to give your time is by offering your love and support through cards. If you have young children at home, you can spend time with them creating handmade greeting cards and letters that will bring joy and happiness to those who might need it the most. 

Volunteer in your community.

Most communities have some sort of volunteer program in place that allows people to give their time. Picking up trash, cleaning up parks, and mentoring young children are just a few of the types of opportunities that are usually available. Start by talking to your community members to see what organizations you can join. If you don’t want to join a specific one, you can start small by looking at your own neighborhood and seeing how you can make it better. 

Bake for your neighbors.

Speaking of making your neighborhood better, one of the best ways to bring joy to the people around you is by baking treats. This small act of kindness can go a long way toward building a sense of "community." When you have a strong sense of belonging in your neighborhood, it makes it a bit easier to get through tough times because you have that layer of support in place. The same goes for the people you give your time to.

Help a friend.

Another way you can be charitable during a recession is by helping those closest to you. Whether it is buying groceries for someone in need or helping a friend move from one house to another, when you donate your time and efforts to those you love, you begin to build a stronger sense of thankfulness and gratitude. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, recessions can be difficult no matter who you are or what level of need you or your neighbors are experiencing.

Being charitable during a recession does not always mean you have to donate money or tangible items. Sometimes giving up your time and your efforts can be the most valuable and most rewarding. What's most important is that you do it.

Leave a comment and let us know what ways you like to give when times are hard!