If you were to take a minute and look at the moments that gave you the most satisfaction, those moments will bring out the brightest smile from within you and make you feel good from the inside out. These feelings often present themselves when you’re doing something you love, let it be cooking, reading, working out or even helping someone to carry their groceries to the car. The list is endless.
What to truly give?
While many of us currently lead a busy lifestyle, helping the community is something we should always make time for. It doesn’t only make you feel good but there are countless surprising benefits that come along with it.
Giving comes in all forms. The art of giving back is simply an act of generosity that many truly admire and it has become a part of our everyday life. The one many are accustomed to are usually gifts in the form of presents, but there’s more to them than just giving someone a present. There are endless interesting ways you can give back to society.
On top of that, the beauty of giving doesn’t have to be extravagant. A simple gesture goes a long way. If you’re looking for simple yet meaningful ways to give back to the community, you’ve landed on the right page. Let’s take a look at 7 possible ways you can give back to the community. These simple acts not only bring a positive impact to you but to the community too.
#1 Donate your time
One of the most effective ways of giving back is by volunteering your time at places that need the most help. For instance, volunteering at homeless or animal shelters, local non-profit organisations or even to teach underprivileged and refugee children. Time is always valuable and gifting it can make a world of difference in the lives of many individuals.
#2 Virtual reading sessions
With the pandemic, many children are forced to coop up at home without being able to go to the park or play with their friends. One great way to make them feel better and allow them to still connect with their peers is through an organised reading session. Discuss with parents from your child’s school and take turns to organise a virtual reading session. By doing so, your child will be able to engage themselves in conversations that peak their interest as well as develop self-confidence from virtual classes.
#3 Walk around the neighbourhood with a trash bag
‘Plalking’ or better known as the act of walking and picking up trash as you go. Whether it’s picking up cigarette buds, food wrappers, face masks or tissues, regular plalking makes a huge difference in reducing the trash within the community we live in today. Nevertheless, it also helps make way for a greener and cleaner space that everyone including your family, friends and children will be able to enjoy.
Plus, with every bend you do, you’re working out on your leg and thigh muscles, which is an additional physical benefit from your walk.
#4 Donate what you no longer need
If you’re Marie Kond-ing your closet and found yourself with some clothes you no longer fit into or haven’t used in a very long time, now’s the time to donate instead of throwing them away.
There are many charities in Klang Valley that would be open to accepting unwanted clothes or books and help distribute them into the hands of people who could aid from it. If you’re clueless on where to find them, below are a list of places to consider:
- H & M
- Kloth Cares
- Kedai BLESS
- Kechara Soup Kitchen
- Salvation Army Malaysia
- Community Recycle for Charity (CRC)
#5 Local food banks
At the moment, there are countless food banks around you and if you ever have a few extra items in your pantry, donate them and make a difference in someone’s life today.
On top of that, feel free to contact Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia or visit their official page if you would like to help the needy. (www.foodbankmalaysia.org). Some other places you can consider donating are:
- Food Bank Malaysia
- Food Aid Foundation
- Kechara Food Bank
- The Lost Food Project
#6 Support local business
The last few months have been tough for businesses, especially local brands. Due to the pandemic, many small business owners find it hard to keep their head above water.
Unlike big corporate brands, shopping locally offers you unique products that you might never have heard of and this can make you fall in love with the products instantly. So, take time to go to a local market or browse through some of the local businesses right through your social media pages. Some brands that might peak your interest include:
- The Tapping Tapir
- Bingka
- Flying Fish
- Zenxin
- Claire Organics
- Bengbeng Sourdough
Another way to show your support for local businesses is by following their social media pages and sharing their posts. This way, it will help to create brand awareness and encourage more people to shop with local businesses.
#7 Volunteer remotely
If travelling is an issue, you could always consider volunteering remotely. Wondering how? Well, if you’re a creative person, use your talents to help those in need. Some of the creative activities you can do right from your home includes:
- Managing social media accounts for charities.
- Write articles or blog posts for non-profit organisations.
- Perform musical instruments virtually for retirement or children’s homes and hospitals.
Giving back to the community
There are endless ways you can show your support and love to help the community better. One way is to connect with the people around your neighbourhood and spread joy as you go. In every community there is work to be done, it takes teamwork for better outcomes. So, spread joy and help others live a better life.
Sources: Comparehero, Countryliving
