The economy may be showing a bit of an upturn, but people are still out of work and money is still tight. But does this mean that you have to put your charitable intentions aside? No – definitely not. I would argue that today there will be more people in need of your help than ever before.

How, you might ask, can you worry about others when you might be struggling to make your own ends meet? One simple answer – charity does not have to come from your wallet. You need only have an abundance of charity in your heart to make a difference, even in these tough financial times.

Let’s start by defining “charity.” According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first definition of charity is: “benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity.” The second definition: “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering.”

Nowhere in these definitions does it say that charity means you have to give money. So, what can you do? How can you make a difference to those most in need, to those sick and helpless? How can you help?

Your time, that’s how.

Since financial donations to non-profit organizations are low, many have cut needed services. Find an organization that is close to your heart, and then offer some hands-on help. If you are handy, perhaps you can fix the leaky plumbing so the organization does not have to pay a plumber. If you are an accountant, offer to handle the organization’s tax returns for free. Maybe you are a public relations consultant, like I am. I handle the media relations for a local charity – you can too.

Or, take a look around you, at friends and neighbors. Is there a person or a family particularly hard hit by the economic crisis? Has a neighbor lost his job? Target these folks and offer to do whatever you can to ease their pain. Maybe you can mow their lawn, or babysit their children while they are job hunting. Why not cook a few meals for them to help them save a few dollars at the grocery store?

And, if you would like to give monetary donations, but think you simply cannot give enough right now, let me offer another bit of advice – every little bit counts. Charitable organizations are experts at stretching every dollar they have, and I don’t know one that would turn down a donation, no matter how small.

The bottom line is that there are many ways you can give, in good times and, especially, in bad. Just look inside yourself to find the ways that work best for you.
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