Charities look for donations and support more than ever in the Christmas period. However, with a higher cost-of-living, charities are under more pressure and donators are less able to support their causes.
You can still support the work these charities do without spending money.
Donate time, skills and items
Charities do not just rely on money, volunteering ensures that they can keep their cause going. So, if you have time, volunteer at shelters, charity shops or at food banks. Having an extra set of hands on deck is always appreciated.
Depending on your skills, you can provide your knowledge in marketing, IT, childcare or any other desired skill to boost a charity’s benefits.
Charity shops are always looking for clothes, books and toys for their shops. Instead of selling your clothes or throwing them out for them to end up in a landfill, bring your pre-loved items to charity shops. In Stirling, there is not shortage of places to support. You can also donate hair for cancer charities, or blood.
Raise awareness
Any publicity from a social media post to a flyer will draw vital attention to a charity. There are so many good causes out there that always benefit from some engagement on social media. Something as easy as a repost can do so much. For example, Start Up Stirling, Transition Stirling and Action in Mind all do essential work for the people of Stirling.
Organise Fundraisers
Even if you don’t donate money, you can organise a fundraiser for others to do so. JustGiving allows you to create fundraising pages for causes, bake sales, raffles and quiz nights are fun ways to socialise and gather funds.
Get in touch with the charity of your choosing, advertise and hey presto! You’ve got people supporting a wonderful cause.
Christmas is a time for charity and kindness, but not being able to donate money does not make you a selfish person. There are still ways to ensure people and animals enjoy their Christmas too.
Featured image credit: Pexels
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
