MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry explores how you can give to charity even if you’re struggling financially yourself
At this time of year, we all want to do our bit for a charitable cause – and it’s important to remember that you can do more than just give money.
We all want to do our bit to help those less fortunate than us or in emergency need, but when we’re all facing a cost of living crisis at the most expensive time of year, it can seem impossible. However, there are plenty of ways you can support charity over Christmas without giving direct cash donations. Here’s how to give to charity without putting yourself in a tough financial spot.
Clear your clutter for donations
The biggest way you can help a charity out is to sort out your clutter and find items you don’t want or need anymore to donate. They can raise money from the items AND people will get a bargain picking up your unwanted goods for a thrifty price.
You can even get rid of big items like sofas, as long as they are in decent condition and have a flame retardant label. Many local and national charities run a van pickup service for their furniture warehouses, so make sure you look around for one before posting it on Freecycle.
Use a charity search engine
You can earn your chosen charity pennies every time you need to Google something. Charity search engines pay a few pence for each search raised by advertising revenue on your search results.
It doesn’t cost you anything but can raise a pocket of change over the course of a year for your chosen charity. Check with your preferred charity if they have their own link, or use EasySearch.Org.UK to sign up and donate to your chosen charity with every search.
Donate your time
Time is something everyone can find a bit of, even if it’s just an hour to help out at a fundraising event. If you have particular skills, these could be invaluable to charities. For example, people who have trade experience, like plumbers and electricians, could help with maintenance jobs of charity properties (such as women’s shelters).
Or, if you’re a dab hand at cooking, your skills could be welcomed at open kitchen events to help feed people in need.
If you don’t have any particular skills to offer, there is still plenty you can do if you offer your time to charities. For example, some hospices need people to visit residents to play board games or read books to them, to keep lonely people company for an hour a week. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference to people who are in need.
Knit items with spare yarn
If you’re a crafter, now’s the best time to raid your stash. Find a basic pattern for items like hats and scarves, and use up your spare yarn to knit warm winter items for those in need.
Other charities need crafters and sewing experts to help with items such as crochet octopus toys, hats, and booties for premature babies. Sadly, there is also a need for knitted and sewn gowns for babies and children who pass away, too.
Donate blood
Alright, this one isn’t technically for a charity but it is a very charitable thing to do! If you’re in a position to give blood, make time to book an appointment and donate. It doesn’t take much out of your day, and your contribution could save a life. Find out all the details at www.blood.co.uk
Arrange a fundraiser
If you’ve got an eye for organisation, and know how to rally people together, consider arranging a fundraising event. It could be a bake-off at your workplace, a Christmas raffle, or even a full-blown gala ball!
For larger events, such as ones which require people to buy a ticket to attend, make sure you have a separate bank account and keep track of your spending and income. The charity may need to access these records, and it also helps keep everything in order by keeping it separate from your own money.
Sign up for a sports race
Make 2025 the year you run your first marathon! Or half, or 10k, or 5k – whatever you think you could manage, use a charity place to spur you into action. Marathon and race places for charities can be competitive for the larger events like the London Marathon, but there are often local runs to participate in which are organised by a specific charity. This option is a great way to get fit, raise money for charity, and make new friends too – join a running club to stay motivated on your way to your personal best!
Post about a charity online
It costs absolutely nothing to post about your chosen charity on your social media profiles. Follow their profiles and share important posts, boost event details, and share what that charity means to you (if you feel comfortable doing so).
People are more likely to support a charity that comes recommended to them by someone they know, especially if they understand why that person thinks the charity is important. That doesn’t mean sharing your life story – many people support charities because they believe in the cause, even if it hasn’t directly touched their life at all.
Ask for donations in your name
Finally, in a season of giving, if you’re someone who dislikes the clutter of Christmas presents and things you didn’t really want or need, ask for donations in your name instead. This way, you can choose the charity you want to give to, make a financial donation through the person gifting for you, and avoid receiving unwanted presents.
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