Last year, 14.8 percent of families experienced food insecurity—that is over 6.1 million children. With so many holidays around the corner, there are lots of ways to support youth in our community and make this season even more special for children in need.
No matter how much or how little you can spare, you can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child. Here are some affordable ways you can donate this Fall.
Affordable Ways You Can Give Back to Your Community This Holiday Season
1. Choose the Right Cause
Before coming to this article, you probably ran a quick search for local charities in your community. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky finding a place to start. When you choose to donate your time, resources or money to a charity or non-profit, you want to make sure the organization aligns with your preferences and values. Do some research and check out the organization’s mission and vision before you donate, to make sure you are supporting a cause that you can truly get behind. Be aware of charity scams, too!
2. Spread the Word
A lot of amazing organizations simply do not receive the funding and donations they need because they do not have the marketing resources to increase awareness of their cause. A super easy—and FREE!—way you can help these organizations achieve their goals is to spread the word about them wherever you have a presence online. Share their posts, invite your friends to like their social media pages, or tell your co-workers about them at work. A little publicity can go a long way.
3. Make a Donation to a Local Food Drive
No child should have to go hungry during the holidays. Choose to donate to local food drives hosted by your local grocery store, community center, church, or food bank, and encourage others around you to do the same. Why not host a get-together or ask your family members to drop off non-perishable items to your home so you can make a donation for them?
Did you know that at the Youth Life Center, we have a “Happy Bellies Grab n’ Go” initiative? Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:30 pm–6 pm, we provide healthy meals to families in our community through our Happy Bellies program. Learn how you can get involved today!
4. Set Up a Collection Jar
Every dollar counts! Make a collection jar at your business or office so people can give back to others with their spare change. A number of organizations have created collection boxes that can be displayed on a countertop, or you can create your own to donate to a local charity.
5. Plan a Community Clean-Up
Every child deserves to feel safe when they go outside to play. One of the most common spaces for children to exercise and have fun is at their local park. Get everyone to pitch in to pick up litter, pull weeds, paint park benches, etc. to make the space even more bright and welcoming. You will be helping your neighborhood, as well as the environment! Just be sure to get city approval before starting any improvements.
Support a child’s natural creativity and joy for learning through supporting the Youth Life Center. Our after-school programs are innovative, interactive, and designed to help children succeed in school, while also allowing them to creatively express themselves through music, dance, and much more. Contact us online or at (770) 272-5086 to learn more about our programs, or make a donation towards our “Build The Dream Center” Initiative.
