51 ways to make the world a better place – starting with your neighborhood

If ever there was a year to give back and provide hope, 2020 is it.

The divisive election, “coronavirus recession” and other stressors this year have impacted nearly every individual, child and family around the world. More people are struggling with mental health. More workers are collecting unemployment benefits. More families are turning to food banks, health and human service organizations, faith-based groups, and other nonprofit and community supports.

Meanwhile, according to the most recent nonprofit survey by CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, 95% of nonprofits reported reduced funding in 2020, nearly 50% had to cut programs or services, and more than 30% had to reduce employee headcount.

Yet, instead of feeling discouraged by what’s wrong, think about what you can do to help. Here are 51 creative ways to spread joy and give back to your community:

1.    Mail care packages with handwritten cards to military service members and veterans.

2.    Donate blood, plasma or breast milk.

3.    Become an organ donor.

4.    Donate in-kind, gently used items like clothing, books and toys, or larger items like furniture or vehicles. Salvation Army, Goodwill and others like local hospitals or other community groups often schedule pickups or offer nearby drop-off locations.

5.    Find virtual volunteer opportunities, such as mentoring, speaking, training, writing cards and more. https://volunteer.chcimpact.org/

6.    Read to children at your local library.

7.    Do a daily “Random Act of Kindness.”

8.    Reach out to your local school and ask if you can provide needed items, from school and craft supplies to backpacks and food.

9.    Talk to your local senior center about encouraging isolated residents. For example, have your family sing or perform via video or drop off care packages or cards or pictures created by your children.

10. Participate in Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child or other programs that provide holiday gifts for children in need.

11. Collect seasonal items such as lights, holiday decorations, Halloween costumes, etc. and donate to your local shelter or children’s nonprofit to make things festive.

12. Organize a clothing swap for your community, working with your neighborhood organization, school, church.

13. Host a garage sale or flea market; donate the proceeds to charity.

14. Stock your local food bank or shelter. Ask for their urgent needs list, such as food and toiletries. Get your coworkers, school, civic group, or faith organization involved.

15. Bring food and cook a meal at your local shelter.

16. Have pizza, a fruit basket, or a meal delivered to a new parent or someone who could use encouragement.

17. Host a community gathering. We’ve hosted large Thanksgiving or Christmas potlucks in our home and invited singles and those unable to be with family. Although that might not be possible due to social distancing restrictions this year, consider what you can do.

18. Distribute blessing bags (protein bar, bottled water, socks, gloves, toiletries) to those experiencing homelessness. Always carry a few bags in your car to hand out the window.

19. Send at least one encouragement card each week.

20. Send handwritten thank you cards.

21. Smile and say hello to everyone you meet; people can tell you’re smiling even with a mask.  

22. Pick up trash on your street, clean up your neighborhood park or playground, or participate in Adopt a Highway.

23. Rake a neighbor’s leaves.

24. Shovel a neighbor’s snow.

25. Drop off pizza, doughnuts or treats for community servants (first responders, medical personnel, fire fighters, teachers, police, etc.)

26. Do the “Drive-through Difference” and pay for the meal or coffee of the person behind you in line at the drive-through.

27. Babysit free for a family who could use a break.

28. Offer your family to help for odd-jobs like painting, hanging pictures, small repairs, yard work, etc. for senior citizens and single parents in your community, at your place of worship, school, etc.

29. Donate used towels and blankets plus purchase food and litter for animal shelters.

30. If possible, foster animals in your home, or volunteer and play with the animals to help socialize them or help out or clean the shelter.

31. Plant trees. As many as possible!

32. Join or start a community garden, providing healthy fruits and vegetables to your neighbors and community.

33. Participate in a charity run or walk or another fundraiser, in person or virtually.

34. Share mental health resources, especially during the holidays and winter months that can exacerbate seasonal affective disorder, depression, etc.  

35. Sign up to be an election judge or help get out the vote.

36. Get trained as a child advocate.

37. Consider serving as a foster family.  

38. Share uplifting quotes on social media and refuse to engage in anything negative.

39. Take a social media vacation and focus on “real life.”

40. Help your network find jobs. Write a reference, make an introduction, share job postings, review resumés.

41. Use Amazon Smile or purchase items from a charity’s amazon wish list.

42. Send an e-gift card and have a virtual coffee chat with a friend. If possible, meet up outside.

43. Start a neighborhood walking or running club.

44. Coach a sport.

45. Pay off someone’s monthly bill, student loan, mortgage, layaway, or other debt.

46. Patronize businesses where a percent of sales supports a nonprofit (cause marketing).

47. Shop local and frequent farmer’s markets.

48. Ask for donations to nonprofits instead of gifts for holidays, birthdays, weddings.

49. Donate to charity: cash, check, credit card, stock, Donor Advised Fund, bitcoin.  

50. Participate in your company’s workplace giving campaign, especially if your company offers a match on donations or volunteer hours.

51. Run a Facebook fundraiser for your favorite cause.

Reminder: Be sure to check first with your recipient regarding specific needs, acceptability and social distancing restrictions to ensure your kindness is well received.

If we all do a little something, together, we can make major contributions to our neighborhoods, communities, and world.