How can I help without being a volunteer

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Many foster group homes are run by non-profit agencies within a city, community, or state. 

Did you know that they need furniture – both for the group home but also to assist when those kids age out of the system and need to find their own living space. One of the easiest things a person can do is when they are moving (or just replacing current furniture) is to call a local organization to see if they are in need and will come pick it up.  This costs you nothing but makes a world of difference for the kids.

We have done this with a local group in the past, even if they didn’t have the direct need now, they would store the furniture for the future or sometimes, even hold a garage sale to raise funds for the kids. 

If you see items in a store that are on very low price clearance, by a few and drop them off to a local non-profit. If you have enough items, call them and they will arrange a volunteer to pick it up. We have bought shirts for $2, bags of socks / underwear for $1, non-perishable food items very cheap. It is all about seeing a real bargain and using a few dollars to donate. 

Beyond doing just the Foster Group option, there are so many organizations that will come and pick up your items. Cancer societies, pet groups, domestic violence groups, and more. Google it in your area, easy to find. 

For those of you with kids in sports, or even adults still playing, donate your used equipment to the local sports leagues.  Baseball, Football, Soccer, Hockey and more.  They all have families needing assistance and that used glove can make another child feel great!

If you have a credit card that gives your miles and/or points, you can donate a specific number to a non-profit of your choice.  1,000 points can equal $10 in most cases.  

Would love to get more ideas for this page.  So many great people would love to help but don't always know some of these easy ways.