Ways you can get involved and help a charity

Charities, by their very nature, do good deeds for other people. Their work is tireless, often heroic, and intended to be at no cost to the recipient. Their efforts are for the good of those who are in need (in one way or another) of money, food, care or just some time.

But charities themselves often need some help too.

With over 160,000 charities in England and Wales alone, it's easy to see why funds are, generally, in short supply and why resources for day-to-day operations, which are largely dependent upon volunteers, can be sparse.

Still, they somehow achieve success in being a central mainstay in many local communities. They not only provide a lifeline for those in need, but a purpose for those who volunteer. They can be a reason to get out of the house each week, meet new people and get involved in a wide range of activities and events.

For others, of course, volunteering is simply a way to give something back.

And with charities ranging from huge nationals to small locals, there'll be lots of opportunities in your area too. It's not about giving huge donations, or dedicating 5 days a week every week, it's about playing a part in fulfilling the purpose of a charity in whatever way you can.

Here are four simple ways that you could get involved and help:

1. Remember strangersMake donations to local or national causes, taking into account the time of year and how others less fortunate could be affected. In the months running up to winter, take old coats, woolly jumpers, hats, scarves and blankets to charities that help the homeless.
   
   Your cupboards are probably full of excess tins, jars and packets too so let someone else make good use of them. Food banks are ever-increasing in popularity (and impact) so hunt down your local one and make a delivery. They may even require some man-power, you never know.
   
   In 2017, 50 per cent of people helped a stranger, let's keep this moving.
2. Offer your time
   
   Volunteer in local charity shops, just a few hours will help to tick some jobs off the list. Or if an event is more your thing, help on the day with the organisation and marshalling. You could even take part in the event yourself. Charity fun runs, monthly initiatives (Movember!) or fitness challenges are great ways to raise funds and provide you with the ultimate feel-good factor.
   
   For the less active (but equally willing) think about selling any unwanted items you have. Tackle eBay or local selling sites to declutter your house or garage and donate the proceeds to a cause close to your heart. There's even the option all over the UK to donate your blood, it's quick, simple and always needed.
3. Part with your cashOne-off lump sums aren't the only way to give money, and generally don't work for a lot of people. What is more successful (and manageable) is making regular donations in smaller amounts, especially if you can donate from your pre-tax salary; you'll never know it's gone. Or you could simply set up a monthly direct debit. Many smaller, local charities rely upon these regular donations as part of their budgeting.
   
   And if you're sponsoring others to complete a charity event, make sure you gift aid. The charity will receive an extra 25p for every £1 donated from all UK taxpayers.
4. Organise a fundraiserThere are lots of opportunities to piggy-back national events with your own local variation, the World's Biggest Coffee Morning by Macmillan being a perfect example. You can create a real community spirit by encouraging local people to come along and get involved. You'll soon learn of a whole host of skill sets (and enthusiasm) in your area.
   
   You could even take the initiative and organise your own event. Bring and buy sales, bingo nights, a swishing party or pamper evening are all full of fun and largely successful in generating the crowds and raising the funds. All you need is a small team of helpers!

There are so many ways that you can get involved and support charities, locally or nationally. You just need to tap into one (or a few) that you'd like to support and take it from there. There's a role to suit everyone in the world of volunteering.