by Penny B

Created on: July 20, 2008

How many times has your phone rung and it's a charity at the other end, asking if you can send a few dollars their way? You realize that all charities are worthwhile causes, however, you either can't afford to give to them all, or they may be calling at an inconvenient time, between paycheques. Or perhaps, you are struggling with finances and close to needing charity yourself. Yet you might find yourself feeling rather guilty if you can't offer even a small donation.

The Bible states to "give with a cheerful heart". However, I don't believe that the Bible means that you must only give "money" in order to help and be charitable to others who are less fortunate than yourself. In this day and age, it's hard for the average family to make ends meet as it is. Even parting with $20 or $30 can put an extra strain on many household budgets. Yet, this does not mean that you can't give of yourself in other ways, to be of help and still fulfill a charitable need in your community.

1) You can donate articles that you no longer need, to charities. This could be in the way of clothing (especially children's clothing that your own children have outgrown. Charities are constantly in need of baby and children's items). You could also give household items, such as appliances and furniture. Often charities are helping the poor or immigrants who have just moved into the community and are starting new lives with very little. These extra items that you no longer use can be of great help to someone starting over with nothing.

2) You can give of your time. Charitable organizations are always looking for volunteers who might either help canvas neighborhoods for their cause or man phone lines, calling others for those much needed dollars. By offering your time for free, charities don't have to pay out extra wages, saving them substantially. They money they save by not paying out wages, can go a lot further in helping the needy.

3) Helping neighbors in need is a huge act of charitable kindness towards others. If you have elderly neighbors, offer to shovel their walks in the winter or mow their lawns in summer. Offer to do favors for those who might be incapacitated in some way. You could pick up items from the store for them while you're already doing your shopping anyway. These acts of kindness go a long way in helping others and won't cost you anything monetarily.

4) While doing some baking for your own family, make a few extra batches of cookies or pastries and give the extra to either

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