Do you want to help those less fortunate than you, but feel that you can’t afford to donate enough money to charity to really make a difference? Don’t let a tight budget stop you from giving back to the community. There are plenty of ways that you can make life on Earth a little better for everyone without spending a lot of money. Instead of writing a check to your favorite cause, why not donate your time instead?

Helping someone in need, whether it is a loved one, a family from your church, or a complete stranger benefits more than just the person receiving the aid. When we make life better for another person in any way big or small, the benefits often way exceed any sacrifice we may have made. Volunteering is needed now more than ever, and it’s never been easier to get started!

You may come across people or organizations in need in your everyday life. Maybe your child’s class needs a volunteer to help with story-time twice a week. Do you like art? Check out the local art museum or community center. You might have the makings of a fantastic children’s art teacher. Unfortunately, as school budgets become tighter, art and music classes are often the first to go. You could take a break from the stresses of everyday life and finger paint—having a blast and inspiring creative minds at the same time!

Are you active in a church or synagogue? Many religious organizations offer great opportunities to give back to the community. They may need volunteers to work at a fund raising function for the church, such as a pancake breakfast or a fish fry. Other times, your church or synagogue may need people to reach out to the local community by delivering donated clothes, money, or food. Sometimes these projects extend their focus to helping people around the world!

If you are not active in the community you live in, you might think, “I want to help, but I don’t know where to start. Who needs me?” Don’t despair. There are websites created specifically to match up those who want to volunteer with organizations in need. Two volunteer-focused websites are www.volunteermatch.org and www.volunteer.gov/gov.

Volunteermatch.org is a website that matches people up with organizations that need assistance. All you have to do is put in a zip code and it will give you all the volunteering opportunities in your area. You can also search by what activity you would like to do. You can do almost anything, from putting together food boxes for hungry families, to assisting in local or national disasters, to virtual volunteering. Virtual volunteering allows you to reach out to organizations that need your special skills without ever leaving your home. Volunteer organizations need help writing business plans, doing their accounting, maintaining their websites, applying for grants and so much more! Your special skill might be exactly what someone is looking for.

According to their website, www.volunteer.gov/gov is a website that matches people with volunteer opportunities in the public sector, with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and many more. You can volunteer in a visitor’s center, or lead a hike through the woods. If you are a nature or animal buff, this website may be for you!

There is a volunteer opportunity to match anything you love to do. You can even bake for charity! At www.strength.org, you can find Share Our Strength’s website. This organization is committed to help end childhood hunger in America. On this website, you can find information on how you can help by attending culinary benefits, participating in nutrition education programs, or holding a bake sale. You can help as a private citizen or as a chef or owner of a restaurant as well. Involve your family! They can have fun and learn responsibility at the same time.

There are so many ways to help those around us and across the world that are less fortunate than we are. When it comes to volunteer organizations in need, this article does not even scratch the surface. The good news is, with the advent of the internet, it is so easy to find out how we can help. The organizations mentioned in this article were found by a simple internet search. Look around; in your community, or on the web. You can help out once or once a week. Making a difference in someone’s life while doing something you love is an instant mood-lifter, with no cash required!