According to new research conducted by APS, giving gifts results in longer happiness than receiving the gift itself.

Donating to a cause not only benefits the charity, but it can also be quite rewarding and strengthen your personal values too. Even the smallest quantity of donations makes a strong impact. This guide describes three thoughtful things that you can donate to charity.

Money

Financial donations are the simplest way to support your chosen cause. There are a number of payment methods for giving away money such as debit or credit card, check, phone bill, etc.

More and more people are choosing to donate money online due to the convenience that it can be done anywhere at any time as opposed to visiting land-based establishments in person. There are also high levels of security measures in place to protect your details during the transaction.

You can choose from making a one-time donation or set up a standing order from your debit/credit card to the charity that you are passionate about. Do not put yourself out of pocket and make sure you can afford what you want to give i.e. £20 in a one-time donation to £3 per month. There are many online options available from official charity websites to fundraising platforms like JustGiving.

Tip: Make sure to mark the box which signifies your confirmation to use Gift Aid so the full amount is given to your chosen charity. Gift Aid allows UK charities to reclaim the tax they would otherwise lose on your donation.

Hair

Hairdressers and barbers have remained closed for months due to lockdown in the UK. While this has been bothersome, it poses a great opportunity to donate your long locks afterwards to causes that create wigs for people who have lost their hair from cancer or other medical reasons.

It is important to follow the charity’s donation requirements if you want your hair to be used. For example, there is a minimum length of hair that organisations are willing to accept, normally ranging from 7 to 14 inches. If you have layered hair, the shortest layer would need to meet the minimum length requirement.

Some places may refuse hair which is coloured, permed, highlighted, bleached or dreadlocked. It must be of natural colour (and can include strands of grey hair) and in excellent condition with no split ends. If your hair does not meet their guidelines then it will be disposed of or sold to cover the production cost of the wigs.

Make sure that you have completed any necessary forms and the hair is tied neatly with ponytail holders and stored in a resealable plastic bag or cardboard or heavyweight paper envelope before sending it off.

Tip: Both adults and children can donate their hair.

Time

This is one of the most important things you can give someone or an organisation that makes a real difference in your community and does not cost a penny.

Volunteering is a very rewarding experience that can benefit you as well as the charity because you can make friends, improve your confidence, and develop new skills.

If you have not decided where you’d like to provide service hours, spend some time thinking about the type of work that you’ll enjoy doing and look for relevant local opportunities. Ideas for the type of places you can donate your time to includes charity shops, libraries, retirement homes, food banks, hospitals, animal shelters, community centers, etc.

Tip: In these modern times, consider virtual volunteering as some places are accepting people to provide help over the computer, such as typing an essay for someone with a disability. This is a useful way to fill up your time at home if you have a flexible day-to-day schedule.

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this article inspiring to get involved with your local charities or causes that you support 💗

It is a win-win situation because it will make you feel good as well as actively help those in need. If you have any other donations to recommend, please feel free to share and leave a comment below! 

Related Reading: Items to Donate to Charity Shops