“We Make a Life by What We Give”

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Every person, young or old, rich or poor, has the power to positively influence society and the wider world. By being appreciative of your blessings, you can pay it forward in ways that do not have to be extravagant or expensive. Here is how.

Give Your Time

Volunteering your time at organisations like your local non-profit, school, homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or animal shelter is one of the most efficient ways to give back. Giving your time, which is priceless, can significantly improve the lives of many people.

You can set up collection points within your family circle, friends’ groups, neighbours, and co-workers to collect toys, books, clothes, and shoes for homeless shelters. 

Random acts of kindness, like helping a neighbour with their shopping bags or moving furniture, can spread a positive mood in your community. 

Give Care to Others

Visiting seniors in a nursing home, care facility, or hospital, can give back to people who might not have anyone else in their lives. Making connections with others can help them feel less alone and less depressed. Some may require assistance with everyday duties while others may just need someone to share a cup of tea and a story. 

There is an increased demand for foster carers who are dedicated to assisting children and teenagers. You can change the life of a child by offering a secure and loving home. You can find out more about fostering in Glasgow and other areas around the country. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available that empower and support children in need. 

Another way to save lives is to donate blood. Blood donation does not take up much time, and it is simple and secure. The majority of people between the ages of 17 and 65 can donate regularly. 

Give Back to the Environment

You can pay it forward for your children and their children’s children by taking a stance in preserving the environment. When it comes to recycling, there are always those who will choose the path of least resistance or effort! They might think they don’t have the time or energy to follow through if something (recycling) looks inconvenient. Make recycling a priority by making it easy. If your community does not have a recycling programme, speak with the closest disposal and waste management business in your area. They might be able to assist you in setting up a regular collection service for recyclables. 

Catch your neighbour’s attention by posting an article in your local newspaper, newsletter, or on social media explaining the advantages of recycling. If writing comes naturally to you, you may create your own daily, weekly, or monthly column that offers readers advice on how to properly recycle their waste.

Planting a tree (or two) can help promote well-being and wildlife in your area. Trees are not only important for the environment but for the survival of human beings and the planet. 

There are so many ways to give back to the community, whether you choose to volunteer, donate blood, plant a tree, or recycle. It is up to each and every person to create a greater and more noticeable positive influence, so get started!