Charity: On a student budget

Donating non-paritiable food or your time to a local fook bank can be a rewarding experience.

‘Tis the season of charity. Like many students, you may want to give to a worthy charity, but seasonal spending may make you feel like you have nothing to offer.

This doesn’t have to be the case. Money is always good, but many great charities would be thrilled if you donated your time to their cause—particularly over the holidays.

If you’re passionate about impaired driving, you could help out your local Operation Red Nose campaign. You can volunteer to be one of their drivers, and help people in your community get home safely over the holiday season.

You could also take part in The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. You’ve seen the iconic kettles and bell-waivers outside of retail stores for years, so why not be one of them? You can also start your own iKettle and invite people to donate to your kettle online. Or you can add a Kettle to Your iPhone, Blackberry, Android Phone and Facebook Profile.

Or, you could always donate your time to help out your local Food Bank. Volunteers are always welcome to help reduce hunger, in any area.

These are just a few suggestions to help you give back and fill yourself with that holiday warm-and-fuzzy feeling. You can also do something as small as finally dropping off those old clothes at the local Goodwill, or as large as organizing your own charity event on campus.