When you think about helping a charity, what comes to mind? I usually think of monetary contributions or sending outgrown clothes to Goodwill, but there is so much more. There are a countless number of charities who need our help and giving to a charity does not have to cost money. As frugal shoppers and homemakers, there are many non-monetary ways we can give back and oftentimes, our frugal ways allow us to do even more.

Clothing is one of the first items that we think to donate. Separate your old and outgrown clothing into two groups: those you would wear yourself and those that are stained or ripped.

• Most people are aware of Goodwill or DAV, but also consider places like battered women shelters, where the ladies sometimes leave with only a bag or what they are wearing.
• Homeless shelters house people looking for jobs and children needing clothing for school.
• For your dressy or business clothing, consider Dress for Success.
• Formals can be donated to The Glass Slipper Project or similar programs and Heavenly Angels in Need.

What about the stained/ripped clothing?

For the unsaleable, torn, and stained clothing, call a few of your larger, local homeless shelters to see if they collect the clothing for other uses. Groups do not want to receive unsaleable clothing unless they have a specific use for it because it takes extra funds and time for disposal. However some groups request them. Our city’s largest homeless shelter turns the stained and torn clothing into bundles of rags and then sells the bundles. Other groups sell the unsaleable clothing to companies who recycle textiles. Ask your local pet shelter if they can use the clothing to make bedding for the animals.

Use your Talents

• Heavenly Angels in Need is looking for seamstresses to convert wedding gowns into burial clothing for infants of needy families.
• If you are comfortable teaching, consider tutoring low income individuals.
• If you feel at home in the kitchen, soup kitchens need people during this time of the year the most, not necessarily during the holiday season when there are an abundance of volunteers.
• There is even a virtual bake-sale that you can participate in by submitting recipes and/ or purchasing the e-book that will include some wonderful recipe submissions. You can find information on participating in this great cause by visiting Cooking during Stolen Moments.
• Many times, contests and challenges sponsored by larger companies or organizations include donations to local food pantries. I recently participated in a pantry challenge and my local food bank received a donation because of my participation.
• For those who coupon and stockpile, and know how to acquire an abundance for very little, nursing homes and retirement centers would love to benefit from your purchases. Last Christmas, many groups were requesting the toiletry items that we take for granted. The residents are supplied by the institutions with commercial, no-frills shampoo, soap and lotions. However, the residents consider it a treat to receive personal items that smell good rather than industrial. Often, we can find free pet products with the coupons in the inserts or near free baby items. Each community will have organizations that could benefit from these items.

The charitable organizations and ideas are endless. Homemakers are a resourceful group and with a little effort, each family can find a way to give back, even without spending a dime.

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