Holiday Assistance for Struggling FamiliesA lot of people look for assistance at the holidays. Traditional holiday meals can be expensive and you may be hosting friends or family. Children's gifts can seriously stretch the budget as well.
Giving to the Needy at ChristmastimeEvery year I am strapped for money this time of year and see on my local news where to drop off food and other items for our shelters and food banks and wish I could donate to my community. So this year starting right now I have a plan and a hefty donation for next year, all easy on the budget.
Food Pantries Need More than FoodIn addition to food, consider donating paper goods, toiletries, feminine products, school supplies, and over-the-counter medications. Food stamps do not cover these items, and they can eat up a good part of the budget. If you coupon, as I do, you can get these items for pennies on the dollar or even free.
Blessing BagsBlessing Bags to keep in the car when you pass homeless people. Something special you can do with your children or grandchildren to teach them about caring/giving for those in need!
Looking For Financial Help With The HolidaysIt might be a little late to be looking at this time. You really have to listen to the news and read the papers carefully, starting around Thanksgiving time, because that is when most of charities start taking applications.
Donate Care Packages For ChristmasDuring the year I go on-line to freebie sites. I get a lot of samples in the mail and save them up for stocking stuffers and care boxes. These care boxes are made up to send to overseas soldiers, my local woman's shelters, and convalescence hospitals.
Call 211 for Referrals To Local AssistanceIf you are looking for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more (including holiday help), call 211.
Link: Pet Donations For Free At FreeKibble.comIt's a website that you can go to every day, 7 days a week, and answer multiple choice questions regarding your knowledge of cats and dogs. Whether you get the answer right is of really no consequence other than a little more knowledge.
Give to Food Banks in Lieu of Christmas GiftsInstead of buying Christmas gifts for people who already have everything they need, try donating some food to your local food bank.
Donate Your Crafting Supplies in Your WillI am a big-time crafter with yarns. I do crochet, knit, and plastic canvas, and some latch hook. Basically if it has to do with yarn I do it. I have put it in my will that all of my crafting materials are to go to an adult care center or a nursing home.
Avoiding Charitable BankruptcyIt feels good to donate to a charitable cause. I write the check that I know will buy the last ingredient needed to find the cure for cancer, and it feels good. Then, I write the check to help pay for books at a school ravaged by floods, and it feels good, too.
Make Sure Your Money Is Going Directly to the CharityThis tip is regarding charity solicitations via telephone. I've recently been contacted by a telephone solicitor to contribute to a Children's Leukemia Foundation and the envelope arrived today.
Donate Clothing and Toiletries to Women's SheltersThis is a tip if you're into coupons, rebates, store good deals, buying in bulk, and have yard or garage sales. If you have items left over such as clothing, toiletries, makeup, etc., donate them to your local abused women's shelter.
New Jersey Charity OrganizationsHere is a list of New Jersey Charity Organizations that may be able to help. They are listed by name, number and then county.
FREE for Charity, School, Church, etc. EventsI don't know where you live...but if you have a HomeTown Buffet, Old County Buffet or County Buffet in your area contact their Community Rep.
Donate to Groups Responding to the Tsunami DisasterThe recent Tsunami from an earthquake near Sumatra has left a huge number of people in several countries without homes, medicine, food or water. Below is a list of some of the many groups providing critically needed humanitarian aid to tsunami victims.
