There are many other ways you can give back that have nothing do with money. In some cases, the non-money options may be way more valuable to a charitable organization than your realize. You may also find the change of pace refreshing and even more beneficial to your own psyche.

Here are several tips to get in the spirit of giving back without the help of your wallet:

Give Your Time

During the holidays, everyone is busy. The volunteers and organization leaders probably would give their right arms for more help. Sign up to work at the food kitchen during the holidays after you have celebrated precious time with your family members.  In fact, bring some of your family along and get everyone to realize how blessed they truly are, with or without a lot of money.

Visit the Lonely

Local nursing home patients would probably be thrilled to have you stop by with a candy cane and twenty minutes of chat time. Many of the elderly in nursing homes do not have other family members to visit them at any time. During the holidays, loneliness can get even worse. The same is true for people in the hospital, especially sick children.

Got Skills?

You could volunteer to help local community events such as direct the Christmas play at the local theater (or volunteer to collect tickets). Many community organizations and recreation committees plan various family events and could always use volunteers to create posters, pass out fliers, or write up events for the local press.

Make Stuff

If you are a knitter, craft some hats, gloves and scarves to give out to the elderly or to the poor. You can also make food dishes for the local soup kitchens, such as festive desserts, jams, or homemade can goods and such that are inexpensive to make. You can also donate homemade goods to special charity auctions.

Do What You Can

If you do have spare change rolling around in your purse, don’t feel embarrassed about tossing it in the bucket next to Santa. Every penny adds up.

Charity on a Budget was created by and is property of American Consumer News.