We all want to contribute to our communities and help others in a meaningful way — a feeling that can be especially prominent during the holiday season when the topic of thankfulness is top of mind. But we know that when purse strings are tight, donating money might not be a realistic option for all of us. So, when the heart says, “Help out!” but the wallet says, “With what?”, consider these four ideas for giving back to our communities while on a budget.

1. Give with your time

What local organizations need as much as dollars are volunteers! Find a cause you’re passionate about and connect with a corresponding charity.

Right now, one in every six families wonders where their next meal will come from.¹ Many local organizations are working tirelessly to help feed our communities, such as Feeding Tampa Bay, which provided more than 87 million meals last year.² These organizations rely on volunteers year-round, and there are countless opportunities to help out.

Not ready to volunteer alone? Ask your friends or family to volunteer with you. Any charitable organization would greatly appreciate the extra hands!

2. Support locally owned businesses

When you shop at a small business, you support a member of your community and everyone they employ, while helping generate economic impact right where you live. Consider finding ways to integrate local options into your regular monthly budget. You could:

• Visit a neighborhood farmers market.
• Try a mom-and-pop restaurant.
• Buy birthday gifts or holiday items from small businesses.
• Get your auto repairs done at a local garage.
• Choose small businesses for services you use, such as tax preparation, pet grooming or home repairs.

3. Share positive reviews

You probably read online reviews before joining a gym, trying a restaurant or choosing a new salon. Your voice matters, and it has a powerful impact.

Leave a positive review for any small business you visit. Positive word of mouth goes a long way!

4. Donate clothing and household items

Consider donating non-perishable food, gently used clothes, like-new toys, furniture and more.

Many local organizations have food drives or holiday gift drives going on throughout the holiday season. In addition to knowing you’ve helped out, you can sometimes deduct these non-cash charitable donations on your taxes, too.³

Small things make a difference

From volunteering to spreading positivity about a local business, anything you can do to support your community will mean a lot to someone else. Even if you can only volunteer a few hours every few months, small actions can add up to a major positive impact — even while on a budget!

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