9 Unconventional Ways to Give Back This Spring
There’s a lot of negativity in the world of late. The wealthy warmongers of the world seemingly have no end to their bloodlust, and hate crimes recently reached their highest levels in the past decade. It’s natural to want to throw up your hands in despair.
However, there’s still plenty you can do to improve the circumstances of those around you. Consider these nine unconventional ways to give back this spring to spread more of the joy and smiles this world so desperately needs.
- Play the Lotto
You might not think of playing the lottery as a charitable gesture. However, many state systems aren’t that different from the fundraising raffles you see outside various grocery stores. Yes, you might win a prize — but you also contribute to worthy causes.
For example, the Virginia lottery raised $766.7 million for area public schools in 2021 alone. Without that revenue, teachers would go without needed classroom supplies, devoting even more of their meager paycheck to keeping their students in pencils and hand sanitizer.
Besides, claiming the lucky windfall gives you even more ways to contribute to your community. You could use the proceeds to start a foundation, perhaps building tiny homes for the many people displaced by the pandemic or even devoting some of your new homestead’s acreage to growing food for area pantries.
- Make a New Pal
The United States incarcerates more people per capita than any other democracy on earth. Despite television depictions, many prisoners lead wretched lives of isolation, deprived of even a decent book selection in the library. Rather than rehabilitate, such conditions drive further mental health woes.
You can help by becoming a prison pen pal. Please don’t let your preconceived judgments stand in the way. Many such people have fascinating stories and are desperate for human interaction — your letters can provide a bright spot in an otherwise bleak existence.
- Adopt a Highway
Here’s a way to raise awareness of your team or organization while giving back to your community. Adopting a highway entails signing on for routine litter cleanups along a designated section of roadway. Each state has a minimum number of times for you to embark — for example, you must go out at least twice a year in Pennsylvania.
In return, you get safety vests and equipment provided by your state’s transportation department. You also earn recognition in the form of a sign sporting your organization’s name. It’s a great way to recruit new members while performing an act of service in your community.
- Socialize a Kitty
Does your lease say “no pets allowed.” If so, you can still get your furry fix at your local animal shelter.
Organizations such as the Humane Society always need volunteers to walk dogs and help care for the critters. You can select your comfort level — if taking an 80-pound Rottweiler for your stroll makes you nervous, you can socialize kittens in the cat area.
- Share Your Harvest
Did you get into the pandemic gardening craze? With inflation showing few signs of slowing down, you might renew your efforts this year to save money at the grocers.
What happens if you end up with a bumper crop of banana peppers? More Americans suffer from food insecurity at increasingly high levels, and food pantries rarely get fresh produce. Can you donate what you don’t need? Plant a little extra to share with your neighbors in need if you want to go further.
- Mow a Lawn
Your ageing neighbors may relish their independence — but struggle to mow the lawn. Instead of bemoaning their overgrown grass’s effect on your property value, why not lend a hand?
It doesn’t take much to knock on the door and offer to help. The worst that can happen is they decline your kindness. However, they’ll probably welcome your assistance and you’ll make a new friend out of the bargain.
- Create a Little Free Pantry
Your neediest neighbors may never confess to their struggles. That doesn’t stop them from sighing wistfully as they put needed hair conditioner back on the store shelf so that they can afford baby formula.
A little free pantry is a great way to offer anonymous help and start a ripple effect of kindness in your neighborhood. Consider essentials they won’t find at food banks like toothpaste, pet food, toilet paper and feminine hygiene supplies. Better yet, involve your friends who are likewise doing essentially okay so that you have help keeping your project stocked.
- Chaperone Your Child’s Field Trip
Riding on a bus with 40 screaming third-graders might not be your idea of a fun afternoon. However, your presence can save a harried teacher’s sanity.
Districts have a harder time than ever finding chaperones, as parents with lingering COVID-19 concerns opt to stay home with their children. If you don’t have health conditions that elevate your risk, why not do your part by adding an extra adult presence to help crowd control?
- Host a Thank You Luncheon
It’s sad how quickly essential workers went from being heroes to those folks “undeserving” of livable wages and work-life balance. However, you can show them you care.
Why not host a thank-you luncheon for the folks in your community who kept you going through the pandemic? You can set something up with your child’s school, a local grocery store, hospital or medical facility to say, “we still appreciate you,” to those who continue to give their all, often with little reward.
Unconventional Ways to Give Back
If the world seems more negative to you these days, you aren’t alone. It’s natural to want to throw up your hands in despair.
However, just as many people are fighting to make things better and you can join their ranks. Consider these nine unconventional ways to give back this spring and make your world a little bit brighter.
