Is charitable giving in your plan for the holidays? Many organizations would welcome a gift of your time, talent or treasure. And research shows that helping others is good for you. Read on to learn about the helper’s high and how you can reap the rewards of giving to others.

Charitable Giving is Good for You

Last weekend, I had an unexpected windfall when I won a cash prize in a fundraising raffle for our local philharmonic choir. Charitable giving is always part of my Christmas plans, so I decided to use some of the money to increase my planned donations.

Giving to others feels good at any time of year, but that feeling is even more special during the holiday season. And it turns out there’s science behind the benefits of doing good for others.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that when you give to or help others, your brain secretes “feel-good chemicals” like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. This can lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress and even help you live longer. In fact, the endorphins released can give you a “helper’s high” that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness, and can even help combat depression.

This term helper’s high was first used by Dr. Allan Luks in his book The Healing Power of Doing Good. His research concluded that regular helpers are ten times more likely to be in good health than those who don’t volunteer. The connection between doing good and health has been confirmed in other research studies over the last forty years.

Time, Talent, Treasure – Three Ways to Give

You may not have had a lucky win but, even if money is tight, there are still ways you can help.

As we were planning our holiday giving campaign in my workplace a couple of years ago, one of my co-workers brought up the idea of giving time, talent or treasure. I’m not sure where this concept originated but it’s a different approach to giving back that’s built on the idea that everyone has the capacity to help in some way. Let’s have a closer look.

Give Your Time

Since the pandemic, many organizations are struggling to find volunteers. Many regular helpers never returned after the pandemic. This leaves charities that depend on volunteers no option but to cut back services and programming.

Giving your time is one of the most satisfying things you can do. It doesn’t cost anything, and there are so many organizations that need help. Volunteering as a group can also be a fun social activity—and you might learn new skills and broaden your social circle.

If you’re not sure where to start, try contacting a local church or community centre. Organizations like Volunteer Match or Volunteer Canada can also help you find charities in your area that need your help.

Give Your Talent

Do you have specialized skills that are in demand? Can you use your talent or your business and professional skills to help others and make your community stronger?

Giving your talent is a natural extension of giving time. Your business skills could help someone struggling to find a job or get ahead. If you love to write, consider helping someone write a cover letter or brush up their resume. And I’m sure your musical talents would put a smile on the face of the residents of your local retirement home.

Make a list of your skills and then reach out to organizations in your area that might be able to benefit from them.

Give Your Treasure

Finally, giving treasure is what most people think of when it comes to charity. If you have the means, cash donations are the quickest and easiest way to help. Find a cause you can support and make a donation.

Another way to give treasure is to donate gently-used things to a local charity shop or winter clothing drive. And if you’re decluttering your closet, consider giving your professional clothing to a charity that helps job seekers find interview clothing.

If you work for a large company, see if they have a charitable donation matching program. It’s an easy way to double your impact.

Make Giving Back a Holiday Tradition

Once you start to feel the helper’s high, you’ll want to share it with others. Here are three ways to spread the joy to others in your network.

Charitable Gift Exchange

A few years ago, my workplace took a different approach to our Secret Santa gift exchange. We drew names but, instead of buying a gift for the person, we bought a toy we thought the individual would have liked when they were a child. After our holiday party, we donated all the toys to our local Angel Tree drive.

Teacher Gifts

The last thing most teachers need is another candle, coffee mug, or Christmas ornament. Making a charitable donation on their behalf is an excellent way to show your appreciation without adding to their clutter. Add a homemade or handwritten card and it’s the perfect gift.

Volunteer Together

Instead of an expensive night out for your holiday gathering, plan a group volunteer or fundraising activity. Volunteering as a group is a great social activity and, in these times of high inflation, it’s a way to gather with friends and co-workers without taking a bite out of your holiday budget.

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With a little research and creativity, there are many ways to reap the benefits of charitable giving. Make a plan to do some good for others this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did!

P.S. If you can’t think of a cause to support, check out Todd Fulginiti‘s Friday post here on Wise & Shine and consider donating to his Go Fund Me campaign to help the homeless in Hawaii and Lancaster PA.

Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.