November 29th is Giving Tuesday. If you haven’t heard of this event, it started in Canada back in 2012 with the simple goal of encouraging acts of generosity. Since then, it’s grown into an international movement in which hundreds of millions of people have participated, often by donating to a charitable cause.
While many students may like the idea of Giving Tuesday, they may not feel they’re in a position to participate. Students aren’t exactly famous for having lots of disposable income, so it’s totally understandable if giving money to charity doesn’t feel feasible.
Don’t worry. If a charitable donation isn’t in the budget right now, there are still plenty of ways you can participate in the spirit of the day. Here’s a starving student’s guide to Giving Tuesday.
Give Goods
Not all charitable donations have to take the form of money. There are always organizations looking for donations of other items to help out those in need.
Check your closet for clothes that you’d be willing to part with (particularly good winter clothing). Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local homeless shelters are always looking for clothing donations, especially as we enter the colder months.
Alternatively, if you have any furniture you’ve been meaning to get rid of, organizations like Open Doors for Refugees can use it to provide refugees with furnished homes in their host cities. Just be aware that some of these organizations will charge a fee if the furniture needs to be picked up.
Give Time
If you can’t afford to donate money to a good cause, consider donating some of your time to one instead. Volunteer work is another great non-monetary way to get in the spirit of Giving Tuesday.
The past couple of years have been very isolating, especially for senior citizens living alone or in long-term care homes. Consider volunteering with an organization dedicated to supporting seniors, like Elder Helpers or the AARP. Helping can be as simple as spending time with someone to stave off social isolation.
This is just one example of many volunteer opportunities available to students. You could help organize an event or volunteer at your local animal shelter or food bank. You could be a volunteer reader or tutor. There are countless other options. And, as a bonus, volunteer work always looks great on applications and CVs.
Give Blood
For those able to do it, giving blood is the simplest way to make a profound positive impact. A few hours out of your day and a little pinprick in the arm can literally save the lives of up to three people.
Demand for blood is always high. In fact, this year the Red Cross declared a “blood crisis,” as it faces its worst shortage in over a decade. This makes it the perfect time for anyone who’s ever considered donating blood to finally do it.
It’s worth noting that not everyone is able to give blood. Rules vary by region, but people with low iron levels or who just got a tattoo are generally not eligible to donate their blood. Be prepared for a long questionnaire and some simple tests when you go in to make your donation. But at least you usually get a treat afterward!
Give Kindness
The most basic way to participate in giving Tuesday doesn’t really involve giving anything at all. You can get into the spirit of the day by simply making an extra effort to be kind to others.
Make that call to your parents that you’ve been meaning to make for weeks. Drop some change into a panhandler’s cup. Resist the urge to post that biting comment online. Pay someone a compliment. And encourage everyone to whom you show kindness to pay it forward.
Giving Tuesday doesn’t have to be about giving money. It’s about fostering an atmosphere of generosity and kindness within our communities. And that’s a cause to which even the most cash-strapped student can find ways to contribute.