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Most of the charitable giving that occurs in a given year is received between Thanksgiving and the end of December. In addition to money, physical items are needed by those in your community.

Right now may be a perfect time to remind your team or organization about opportunities to give. Many focus on their own self-improvement as the new year begins. It makes us feel good when we shift the focus to improving conditions for others. Indeed, studies suggest that when we act to help others, it promotes a positive view of ourselves and supports our wellbeing.  

One of the additional benefits of sharing with your employees ways they can help is that it fosters a better sense of community. That community is both in your geographic location and among your team members. When you make it easier for employees to help those in need, it can strengthen their organizational commitment. It shows that your group truly cares. However, the pandemic may leave some of us less willing to volunteer in-person. Here are some ideas for donating that you employees can do in person or remote. 

Many have the ability to help others right now but may need a quick nudge to take action. Send your group some of the helpful categories below to direct their donation efforts.

Donating Supplies

Local Schools

• Call local schools to find out what kinds of supplies they need.
• Most schools accept specific donations at the start of each school year, but many gladly accept donations year-round. 

Shelters

• Many shelters rely on community support and need hygiene products, especially for women and infants.
• Basic paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels and cleaning products such as laundry detergent. 
• Shelters often accept toys, stuffed animals, and small blankets for young children.
• Foot care is a challenge for those who are unhoused, so shelters often seek donations for socks and shoes.
• If you live an area that is susceptible to colder winter weather, shelters in your area may also be seeking warm comforters, jackets, hats and gloves.
• Find local shelters in the US using the Department of Housing and Urban Development search tool.

Food Pantries

• Collect non-perishable items to donate to your local food pantry, such as canned foods that have not yet expired.
• Consider whole grain options to benefit the nutrition of those in your community, such as whole grain pasta and rice.
• Find out if your food pantry has freezer and refrigeration space to receive fresh, frozen or perishable items.
• For a high impact, think about providing foods that offer protein such as dried beans, peanut butter, and canned tuna or sardines.
• If you are looking for a quick way to identify your local food bank, search by zip code or state courtesy of the Feeding America organization.

Donating blood and plasma

Blood

Donations can be scheduled on a regular basis and take less than an hour each time. Online options can help you speed up the process, including online registration options to screen eligibility and clarify the exact steps, and apps for scheduling donations. Your donation support blood transfusion for those who’ve experienced burns and other forms of trauma. They also help patients with certain types of cancer and chronic diseases, as well as patients with sickle cell disease.

Plasma

Although the blood donations consist of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, your plasma has no red blood cells. Instead, plasma is the light yellow liquid that helps move immune cells, nutrients and waste in the body and is 92% water. Plasma does carry certain proteins that help blood clot and your donation can help those who’ve experienced trauma or who have autoimmune or hemophilia diseases. Find the plasma donation center nearest you by inputting your location here.