These past few years have been challenging for many people around the world. The pandemic, social distancing, supply chain disruptions, and inflation have made it difficult for us to see the good. One of the best ways to pull ourselves out of difficult and uncertain times is to look outside our own lives and into the lives of those around us.  

Thankfully, the holiday season - with all of its magic - provides a great opportunity to remember what matters most in life. Whether you want to show your team how much you appreciate them, make your family feel extra special, or serve your community, there are plenty of ways to creatively give back this holiday season.

Creative No-Cost Ideas

Some of the best experiences in life don’t cost a penny! A genuine, kind gesture could be exactly what someone needs this holiday season. There are plenty of creative ways to give back with your time and energy.  

Consider engaging in some of these options: 

• Gather items for a donation drive: collect quality, secondhand items - especially cold weather clothes - and donate to a local shelter. Unused toiletry items and nonperishable foods are also great donation items. Involve friends and family in the collection too!

• Donate blood. If approved by your doctor, donating blood can be a fantastic way to give back this winter. 

• Give your time: Our time is precious and it’s important to spend it wisely. Giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can give. Spend a weekend with the elderly, invite neighbors who live alone over for dinner or volunteer at an animal shelter. Whatever you choose, you’ll find that the ROI is more than worth it. 

• Use your influence: If you or your business have a heavy personal social media presence, you can use that to benefit others! Posting and reposting content from organizations and charities you care about can help them reach a larger audience. 

Give Back With Your Money

Whether you’re in a position to donate large or small amounts to organizations and charities, there are creative giving solutions to fit any budget. 

• To-go bags for the homeless. It can be disheartening to see someone on the street and not know how to help them. Having to-go bags ready - filled with a snack, water bottle, socks, a toothbrush, etc. - can greatly benefit someone in an unfortunate situation. 

• Pick up the tab. When you’re out and about - either at a restaurant or the grocery store - consider picking up someone else’s tab. This unexpected and generous act can not only be helpful and fun, but it can also be contagious! Your simple act of giving could inspire others to do the same. 

• Donate money. Money is a very tangible and helpful way to give back. Just be sure the charity or organization you’re giving to is legitimate and has a good track record. You can run their name through the IRS’s database to be sure. Year-end giving is also a great way to reduce your taxable income while making a big difference. 

Give Back With Your Business

It’s estimated that small businesses donate 250% more than their larger counterparts to local causes and about 75% of small businesses donate about 6% of their annual profits each year. 

Giving back with your small business will not only unite your employees and help you connect with your community, but it can also grow your business. People may be more interested in buying your products or services if they know the people running the business are good people who care about others. 

It can also provide you an opportunity to network with other businesses and individuals and showcase what you have to offer. There are many opportunities to give back as a small business: 

• Donate your product or service. Giving your service or product to an individual or company pro bono is a great way to give back and make a difference for others. If you specialize in marketing, you can offer to put together a Facebook ad for a local charity or if you’re an accountant, you can help an organization prepare its taxes. 

• Spend your party budget differently. If you typically have a catered holiday office party, try taking that money and spending it on putting together meals for the homeless. You can still have fun and be festive while doing good for others - and the memories are sure to be sweet! 

• Involve your employees. Ask your employees for their ideas and determine the causes they care about. This will not only spark great conversation, but it will also unite your team for the greater good. Try spending a couple of Fridays volunteering locally with your whole team - the possibilities are endless! 

Give Back With Your Family 

• Run for a good cause. Stay healthy as a family and support a cause you care about. From a simple turkey trot to a marathon, there are many options to participate in.

• Donate toys and clothes. Invite your children to go on a decluttering spree with you and gather up gently used toys and clothes. Or go to a store and pick out clothes and toys. Young children will understand this act of giving in a more tangible way than giving money. 

• Get creative. Some children love to create - both on paper and in the kitchen. Pick out a few groups who you know would love to receive homemade crafts or cookies and ask your kids which ones they’d like to give to. Also, be sure to involve your children in the delivery as they will surely brighten someone’s day! 

Giving Tuesday is November 29, 2022. This day is dedicated to individuals, small businesses, community organizations, and nonprofits connecting with their local communities and giving back. There are hundreds of ways to participate, check out their website and see how you can join in the movement this holiday season. 

Find More Room For Giving With Financial Fitness Coaching

At Financial Fitness Coaching, we help small business owners maximize their profits, master cash flow, and build confidence in their finances. Once entrepreneurs have accomplished these three things, their opportunity to give back to others increases exponentially. 

Giving back not only helps those around you, but it also helps you focus on the bigger picture of life. Success and prosperity can mean so much more when you use them to bless others. To see how we can help you and your business, email me at kristen@financialfitnesscoaching.com or simply schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call on my calendar.