Fall: The Season to Donate

The season of fall brings around new colors and new weather. It also precludes the season of winter, as well as a few significant holidays. During this time of year, we often reflect on the things that we have and the people in our lives. When thinking about what we are thankful for, we often think about people who are not as fortunate as ourselves. A great way to help those people is to donate. Donating can come in many forms, including time, money, and things. Below are some ways you can donate this season.

Hurricane/Wildfire Relief

With the four hurricanes that hit our southern border and the wildfires ravaging the west, the victims of these natural disasters should be first that come to mind when donating. Easy and useful donations include toilet paper, diapers, items for hygiene, and non-perishable goods (e.g. canned food). Go to FEMA to find out specifics as to what they do and don’t except. 

Blood

In addition to all of the natural disasters our country experienced these last couple of months, we also had the worst mass shooting in our nation’s history. Donating blood is a great way to help the victims of this horrendous act, as well as those injured by the hurricanes and wildfires. Go to American Red Cross to find out how and where you can donate.

Halloween Costumes

With Halloween around the corner, local Children’s Hospitals are filled with children who will not be able to celebrate the holiday like the rest of the kids. Being able to dress up in a costume and participate in the holiday will help them have fun while they are recovering in the hospital.

Time and Food for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is also right around the corner. Though many of us will be fortunate enough to sit down with family and friends to enjoy a nice meal, there are also many of us who aren’t so lucky. Take time this Thanksgiving to volunteer at your local food pantry or your local chapter of Feeding America. If you don’t have time, they could always use more food. Check out Feeding America for more information.

Toys

What follows Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of giving. During the December holidays, those lucky enough will gather with family and friends to celebrate togetherness and exchange gifts. Your local children’s hospital, as well as local orphanages and foster homes, are a great place to donate toys. You can also check with Toys for Tots for more details on donating.

Winter Gear

Depending on where you live, this section may not apply. However, those that live in parts of the world where it gets cold for winter, donating coats, hats, and gloves can be a great way to help those in need make it through the cold months. Also, if you live in a city where homelessness is more prevalent, tie scarves, gloves, and coats to corner light posts. This is also a good way to help those make it through winter, who cannot do so on their own.

Money

There are many non-profit and religious organizations, like the ones above, that do so much for their community and for people in need. Doing so comes at a cost, so donating some money to help them continue their mission is a great way to help. An incentive, though you shouldn’t need one, is most monetary donations are tax deductible.

Conclusion

This fall and holiday season, do what you can to help those that are less fortunate. Donate resources for those effected natural disasters and blood for victims of the massacre in Las Vegas. You can also donate food, time, and money to help people and organizations that aid those in need every day. This season, do your part to provide a bright light for those in a dark place.

Photo: WP Kube