6 Ways to Give Back on #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global celebration of generosity and giving back. For many charities and nonprofits, it's one of the biggest fundraising days of the year, a day when supporters turn out in droves to donate money to the causes they care about.

While not all of us have money to give, most of us have time. So here are a few of the many ways you can give back on #GivingTuesday, without reaching for your wallet.

1. Volunteer at a local nonprofit.

Skills-based and pro bono service makes a deep and lasting contribution to the organizations you support. According to A Billion + Change, 91 percent of Fortune 500 human resources managers said volunteering knowledge and expertise to a nonprofit can be an effective way to cultivate business and leadership skills. Whether you’re an accountant, an IT expert, a visual designer or a marketer, your skills can benefit nonprofits. Find opportunities in your community through All For Good.

2.    Host a drive.

Getting the neighborhood to donate goods to the local food pantry or homeless shelter is a great way help those in need this holiday season – and to clean out your shelves and closets while you’re at it! You can donate food, warm clothing or blankets, hygiene supplies and more. Choose a date and location where you will accept donations, and identify the community organizations the items you collect will benefit. Then, spread the word. Get more info here, and make your donation drive a fun activity for the whole family!

3.    Get involved with virtual volunteering.

The Internet has done a lot to make doing good easier than ever before. From “passive giving” through websites like Amazon and eBay to crowdfunding opportunities to digital volunteer databases, giving back is just one click away. Another way to give back is through virtual volunteering. Help feed the hungry by answering vocabulary questions, share career advice with low-income youth online or provide counseling via text to young people in crisis. Find more virtual volunteering opportunities at All for Good or UN Volunteers.

4.    Volunteer at a food kitchen.

Volunteering with family and friends at a local soup kitchen or food pantry is not only a great way to help your community, but also a wonderful bonding activity – and a great way to teach your kids the importance of helping those in need! Check out All for Good to find opportunities near you.

5.    Send a thank-you card.

The holiday season is the perfect time to think about the things we are grateful for, and say thank you. Send a thank-you card to your children’s teachers, to a local organization doing good things in your community, to a veterans’ group or military service member, or any person who has had a positive influence on your life this year. Spreading kindness is an easy way to brighten someone’s day.

6.    Send a care package.

Care packages not only bring a smile to someone’s face, but also provide some much-needed relief for those in need. Pinterest features a number of ideas for creating care packages for different recipients: Whether it’s filling resealable bags with basic supplies for the homeless, putting together healing items for cancer patients or sending fun and practical items for soldiers deployed overseas, these thoughtful gifts make a real difference in the lives of those who receive them.

For more ways to get involved on #GivingTuesday, please visit www.givingtuesday.org.