How to Pay It Forward Without Spending Money

The season of giving is upon us, and lots of people are looking for ways to give back. Charitable organizations always welcome monetary donations. But what if your heart is bigger than your wallet this season? Don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to pay it forward without spending money (or getting your finances off track). Whether you want to recognize GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) or you’re searching for random acts of kindness ideas, we’ve gathered some simple, free ways to be charitable during the holiday season and beyond.

1. Volunteer at a food bank

More than 42 million people in America may be facing food insecurity¹, and food banks are trying to keep up with all the people in need. Consider volunteering at a food bank in your area. While you won’t interact directly with those in need, you can still make an impact by sorting and packing food, assisting with contactless distribution, delivering meals and even fundraising from home.

2. Volunteer at an animal shelter

Love animals? Animal shelters always need volunteers, especially during the holiday season. Dogs need to be walked, kennels need to be washed and cats need to be cuddled. You can even stuff envelopes, make phone calls, help at adoption events and educate people on the costs of becoming a pet parent. Willing to take in a furry friend? Think about fostering a pet. You’ll be helping your local shelter prevent overcrowding², and a new dog or cat around the house may give you a boost. Shelters typically supply foster homes with supplies, so all you need to give is time and love.

3. Donate your clothes or household items

Paying it forward can start in your closet (or your basement, attic and kitchen). Many of us have clothes we don’t wear, a lamp or chair we don’t like anymore or even dishes we’d like to replace. Instead of letting perfectly good items sit around your house, donate your belongings to people who need them. Some organizations will even pick up bags of clothes and larger items (like furniture) from your home. Don’t forget to save your donation records for tax filing purposes.

4. Practice socially distant acts of kindness

We’re living in challenging times, and your neighbors may be silently struggling to get by. Consider making a favorite dish for a neighbor and leave it at their doorstep. Offer to walk an elderly neighbor’s dog or do some yard work for them. Even just checking in on someone can brighten their day. If you’re unsure of how to help, post on local social media groups or ask friends and family in your area. You may even boost your own holiday spirit.

5. Start a fundraiser

Thanks to the internet and social media, it’s simpler than ever to raise money for a cause that’s important to you (even if you can’t donate your own funds). Crowdsourcing sites like GoFundMe are an excellent way to pay it forward for friends and family who need assistance with expenses such as medical bills. If you’d like to start a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization, Facebook makes it easy to launch one in just a few clicks, then immediately share it with your network.

6. Donate your talents

Play the guitar? Strum a tune for residents in a nursing home. Are you a master knitter? Knit blankets and hats for babies in your local neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Like to cook? Whip up a warm meal at a soup kitchen. Maybe you’re a carpenter. Build a Little Free Library for give-and-take neighborhood book sharing. Tapping into your talents can make a big difference in the lives of others, and it’s totally free.

7. Give blood

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and a single blood donation can save up to three lives.³ If you’re eligible to give blood, it’s one of the simplest, most impactful ways you can pay it forward without spending money. Start on GivingTuesday or any time during the holiday season, then donate regularly throughout the year. It’s one of the ways to pay it forward without money, and it literally saves lives.

8. Volunteer for a suicide hotline

Suicide prevention hotlines are an essential resource to save lives that may otherwise be lost. Volunteering for a suicide or crisis intervention hotline gives you the opportunity to help people remotely in their time of need. Organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, The Trevor Project and others depend on volunteers and will train you to be a lifeline to those in crisis.

9. Take advantage of company incentive programs

Some employers offer paid time off (PTO) to volunteer at approved charitable organizations. Others organize volunteer events or even make a donation in honor of volunteer hours. Check to see what your employer offers. If you’re able to make a cash donation (even a very small one), some companies even make dollar-for-dollar matches.

Inspire others when you pay it forward

If you can’t formally donate your time, simply practice random acts of kindness. Hold doors for strangers. Help someone with heavy bags. Give someone a ride (or a compliment!) Wave someone ahead of you in traffic. It’s amazing how one simple act of kindness can lead to another. It’s the best holiday gift you can give — and it doesn’t cost a dime.

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1. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
2. https://www.npr.org/2021/06/06/1003713898/pet-adoption-soared-during-the-pandemic-but-now-shelters-report-overcrowding
3. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply