This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Capital One. All opinions are 100% mine.
I think for most people the sentiment of giving during the holidays is natural; though life can get in the way sometimes, especially when you’re on a budget. I know that I have good intentions of donating to my favorite charity— which happens to be St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital— but often my gift isn’t as large as I’d hoped because of finances during the holiday season.Â
I think we have all been in this position at one time or another. And as much as it gets me down, I need to remember that giving isn’t all about money, and there are things I (we) can do to help others when we’re on a budget. Here are just a few ideas for giving during the holidays.
Donate gently used clothing and shoes to a local charity – This is a small task that we all can do throughout the year and doesn’t cost a dime, plus it helps clears out clutter! The most important items during the winter season are warm weather items like coats, jackets, scarves and boots. If you haven’t worn it in the past year or two and it’s in good condition, consider donating these items to a charity such as Goodwill, Salvation Army or a local shelter.
Stock up on grocery sales & give to a local food bank – An inexpensive way to give during the holiday season is to take advantage of grocery store sales on canned and non-perishable food items. If you get canned veggies on sale for buy 1, get 1 free; give the free cans to your local food bank. Even $10 can amount to a bagful of much needed food during the Christmas season.
Volunteer for a local charity – Another, often overlooked, way to give during the holidays (or any time of year) is the gift of time. Free up a few hours each month to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, food bank or other local charity. These much needed organizations are only possible with the support of others. This is a completely free way to give that will make you feel good in the process.
If you do want to give a financial donation to an organization but are low on funds, think about having a garage sale and giving a portion of the sales to your charity of choice. You could also get together with a group within your community for a bake sale or another similar event with the proceeds going to a good cause.
Capital One Wish for Others Campaign
We all know that giving to others feels great, whether you’re donating to a nonprofit, volunteering at a food bank or doing something nice for a loved one. To celebrate that spirit of giving and make the holidays a little brighter this year, Capital One wants to hear about your Wish For Others.
Share your wish for someone else – a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a community — with #WishForOthers on Twitter, Instagram, or the Capital One Facebook page from November 24 through December 23 for a chance to make it come true.
While wishes aren’t gguaranteed sharing your wish is completely easy and free— and who knows, it might just come true! Take a look at some of these wishes and let me know about your #WishforOthers! {You can see my wish on this post}
So what’s your #WishforOthers? Let Capital One know by uploading a video or photograph and/or message which identifies your wish for another individual, family, group or organization (valued between $750 and $500,000) with hashtag #WishforOthers to Capital One’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For official rules and info visit www.wishforothers.com.
