Giving Back Doesn't Have to Cost Money

Giving Back Doesn't Have to Cost Money

Giving season is right around the corner and with it comes ample opportunities to reconnect with your community. When we think of giving, the majority of people jump to financial donations which have an impact, but generosity can take many different forms. It can be as simple as sharing your time. If you are struggling to come up with ideas to give back differently this year, here are some ideas that might help get the creativity flowing. 

Pick one:

Volunteer your time.

Volunteering is one of the most common ways to give back during the holiday season. Local food pantries, animal shelters and community organizations often need extra help this time of year. Ronald McDonald House Charities may need volunteers to prepare meals for families staying nearby while a loved one receives hospital care. The Salvation Army also relies on volunteers for its annual holiday bell-ringing campaign throughout the Tri-State area. Consider setting a personal goal to volunteer with an organization whose mission matters to you this holiday season.

Donate items you no longer need.

With an influx of holiday gifts on the way, consider making room ahead of time by decluttering clothing, household items and children’s toys. These gently used items may be put to good use by local organizations like Borrowed Hearts and Evansville Rescue Mission. Donating before the holiday season gets underway or right after can help organizations prepare for increased needs. Before dropping off items, check with each organization to confirm what they accept and which donations are most needed.

Use your network to spread kindness.

Giving back doesn't have to be expensive. A manageable commitment that you can follow through by yourself, with family or friends can create a lasting change and new memories for FREE. Offer to help someone in need with errands or by making a meal. The holidays can bring up a lot of emotion for those around you and simply checking in can help make a difference. We live in a digital age, simply sharing a nonprofit's volunteer needs, promoting a community event or connecting an organization with someone who can help are other ways to make an impact. Passing information along can invertedly provide resources to help connect those resources with people who need them.

How Heritage Continues to Give Back

As your local, community driven credit union, we are committed to help members during a visit to our branches and outside of them. Through nonprofit partnerships, employee volunteer opportunities and local sponsorships, Heritage works to support organizations that make a difference throughout the region.

From participating in community initiatives to supporting organizations focused on education, community growth and local needs, these efforts help strengthen the connections between members, employees and the communities we call home.

Make Giving Back Part of Your Routine

You don't have to wait for the holidays to make a difference. Consider choosing one way to contribute this season, whether that means volunteering for an afternoon, donating useful items or helping a neighbor.

Giving back isn't about how much you spend. It's about finding meaningful ways to contribute with the time, skills and community you have at your finger tips.

Follow us on Facebook @HeritageFederal to keep up with the latest on our 2026 giving season journey!

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The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Heritage Federal Credit Union.