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One of the best ways to show gratitude for the many blessings in your life is by giving back. A survey conducted by OnePoll with Giving Tuesday and published on Good News Network, found that Americans who give back are nearly twice as likely to say they feel satisfied with their lives. There’s so much need out there, and when your own needs are covered, it’s only natural to feel compelled to share your gifts and resources. However, not everyone can afford to give back financially. In fact, during the height of the pandemic, monetary donations were at a historic low, says Gallup.

Feeling the urge to help those in need but not having the funds to give can be frustrating. But, money isn’t the only thing you can share. Here are seven ways to give back when you don’t have money to donate.

Donate Your Expertise

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Shelters and facilities catering to the unhoused population often need volunteers in a number of areas. These facilities might work with residents to help get them employment and could use your expertise. If you are great at writing resumes, teaching Excel, or teaching a second language, share your expertise. Volunteer to teach a workshop in which you will help those in need transition to the next phase of their lives. You could also volunteer to provide childcare at a women’s shelter for busy moms who need the extra help.

Lead A Supply Drive

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Even if you don’t have the supplies that your local shelter needs or the money to buy them, you can turn to your community. Call your local facility serving the unhoused community and ask what they’re in need of. Then, lead a supply drive in your neighborhood. Post on all of your social media platforms and the NextDoor app, notifying your neighbors of what you’re collecting. You can pick items up or let your home serve as a drop-off location. If you have children, their school might agree to serve as the drop-off location.

Donate Your Body

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There are medical patients who need what your body naturally produces. You can donate blood, bone marrow, platelets, and hair. These donations can save a life and are one of the greatest gifts you can share. Further your efforts by encouraging friends to join you in your donations.

Be A Crisis Counselor

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You don’t need money to provide comfort and encouragement. Train to be a crisis counselor and be the kind voice on the other end of the phone when someone calls the suicide hotline. You can also volunteer at hotlines for transgender youth or similar at-risk groups who need support.

Donate Your Cash Back

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You might have cash to donate without realizing it. If you use credit cards and pay them off each month, then you’ve likely acquired cash back. That’s free money that you didn’t account for in your budget. Instead of depositing it into your bank account, donate it. Some credit cards even allow you to donate through their rewards portal, and increase the value of the funds when they’re used for charitable donations.

Host A Fundraiser

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When you don’t have money to give, you can find a way to bring in money. Host a fundraiser that will bring in cash. You can put on a comedy show, a play, a recital or other forms of entertainment. Ask people you know to volunteer their time, and volunteer your own. Charge for tickets and donate the proceeds to the charity of your choosing.

Shop Consciously

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Even if you don’t have funds specifically for donating, you can make your usual expenses more charitable. Find brands that give back, and buy the goods you already purchase on a regular basis from them. So that can mean buying cleaning supplies from companies donating to clean air efforts or buying your clothes from a brand that donates clothes to those in need.

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