Community Corner
30 Days of Giving, Day 29: Creative Ways to Give Back
Host a toy drive or party or collect change throughout the year, then donate to your charity of choice.
This is part of a series of ways Patch community members can give back this holiday season. We hope you'll take part in 30 Days of Giving and take the spirit beyond the holidays, because there is need all year long.
The past 28 days we’ve given you ways to donate goods, time and money to help those in need. Instead of just writing a check here are some creative ideas for how you can give back to the community.
Host a toy or canned food drive: Select an organization in need and help it with its goals by having fun with it yourself. Make yourself a goal and try to reach it.
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Let social media dictate what you give: Try to collect funds for a cause via Twitter or Facebook and tell your followers you will double whatever they contribute within a certain period of time. Or, if your business has a Facebook page or Twitter account, pledge to donate 50 cents, $1 or more for however many followers or Facebook likes you get.
Host a party: Whether it’s a business party or just a social gathering, have a party and ask each guest to donate $5 when they enter. Everyone will have a great time, and the money will be going toward a good cause. Tootie and Tallulah's, the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business of the Year, for example, hosts private fundraisers.
Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Collect change: If you find yourself weighed down by change throughout the week, start emptying your it into a jar every time you have it. After the jar is full, donate the change to charity.
Hold a casual-dress day: Another fun way to donate is to make your employees or colleagues pay $1 to dress casual one day of the week at work. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's office does this on an annual basis and . Patterson’s office donated the money to 17 southeast Michigan charities.
Use your talents for the greater good: Are you a teacher? An artist? A nurse? Use your talents and/or profession for the greater good and find a charity in need of people with your skill set. If you’re a teacher, try tutoring for a cause. Or, if you’re an artist, volunteer your time teaching people the trade or donate a painting for a charitable auction.
