The art of giving back and gifting is known as philanthropy. Generosity has been around since the dawn of humanity and has become a part of our everyday life and society. Philanthropy actively supports efforts such as scientific research down to volunteering your time to help out those in need in your community. Philanthropic efforts also work to eliminate social problems and increase wellness in people, society, as well as the planet. We all can impact our community and world for the better. The beauty of philanthropy is that it does not have to be extravagant. It is as simple as helping out your neighbor with tasks like helping them carry their groceries to their front door. 

Here are seven simple and meaningful ways to give back to the community and begin your journey of positive impacts. 

1. Donate Your Time

One of the most effective ways of giving back is volunteering your time at places like your local non-profit, school, homeless shelter, animal shelter, etc. Your time is valuable and gifting it can make a world of difference in the lives of many.

2. A Random Act of Kindness for A Neighbor  

Volunteering your time and energy can help strengthen your neighborhood with simple gestures of kindness. Lending a helping hand to a neighbor who is juggling handfuls of groceries to moving a piece of furniture is a generous act that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Participate in Fundraisers and Charity Events

Finding a cause that you are passionate about can be great motivation for assisting or even creating a fundraising event or charitable activity in your community. While Foster Love - Together We Rise is located in Brea, CA, we work with a network of volunteers nationwide. So location is no excuse to not be involved with charity events. 

4. Help a child in need

If you want to help a child in need, you can volunteer with organizations such as Foster Love - Together We Rise, whose aim is to help improve the lives of youths in foster care. They also provide resources to youths who have aged out of the foster care system, and they’re always welcoming volunteers throughout our nation. While they’re in Brea, California, there are also other volunteer opportunities available nationwide that empower and support children in need.

5. Volunteer at your local senior living community

Volunteering at your local senior center as ways to give back to the community can help prevent the feeling of isolation and depression among certain seniors. Some of the ways you can help include aiding seniors with daily tasks, keeping them independent and in their own homes. You can also volunteer to help aging seniors by joining organizations geared toward benefiting seniors in need.

6. Plant a tree

Trees are essential not only for the environment but to us as well especially in a time where air pollution is a growing issue. Trees produce oxygen, release and absorb water, as well as absorb carbon dioxide. With each tree planted, we decrease toxicity in addition to encouraging wildlife and wellness.

7. Recycle your Plastic at a local Recycling Center

Whenever you recycle used materials like plastic, these materials are then converted into new products. This is so important to our environment because it reduces the need to use natural resources and reduces pollution. A great perk that recycling can offer is money in exchange for recycling your plastic material at your local recycling center.

Whether you decide to help by volunteering or recycling, there are so many ways to give back to the community, it’s up to each and every one of us to make a bigger and noticeable impact, so let’s all get started together!

To learn about ways to give back to the community and making a positive impact with us, visit https://www.togetherwerise.org/volunteer-opportunities/