Cheap or Free Ways You Can Help Others

The inspiration for this post came from something I heard my 7 year old son say... "Wow, my dad helped the neighborhood and he helped the world". I wanted to share some ideas of how you can help people in little ways to make their lives better. This may spark something within them to want to pay it forward and help someone else.

• Volunteer at your child's school. 
• Getting rid of outgrown clothing from younger, school-age children? Consider donating them to your local elementary school's nurse's office. They always have the need for bottoms, underwear and socks. 
• Text a friend just to let them know you are thinking about them.
• Smile. A genuine smile triggers other people to smile. 
• Check up on your neighbors.
• Be a "Mystery Reader" for your child's class.
• Offer to help an elderly person in the grocery store.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Compliment a stranger (within reason).
• When you get a buy-one-get-one free deal, why not share the freebie with a friend or neighbor.
• Offer to babysit for a new mom.
• Give your neighbor's dog a treat at the fence.
• If you are in a store and see someone purchasing something that you have a coupon for, offer it to them. You would be amazed at the joy $1 off can bring to someone.
• Be the Coupon Fairy. Leave coupons in front of the items they are for in a store. Someone will be very happy to save a little extra money. 
• Call someone out of the blue. 
• If you baked something, send in extra for you child's teacher.
• Always ask the cashier at the store you are at how their day is going. No matter the attitude they may give off, you can still show that you care.
• Tell someone that you love them. 
• If you get a gift certificate for purchasing a certain amount in a store, consider giving it to someone. My kids give me their $10 Kohl's cash certificates all the time and it makes me so happy.
• Hug someone.
• Make people laugh!
• Rake or blow leaves for your elderly neighbor.
• Do a chore for another person in your home. I love when my walk into my bedroom and see my bed already made up.
• Paying with a gift card and have a small balance left? Give it to the person behind you in line. 
• Saying, "good morning" or "have a great day" gives off a positive vibe. 
• A simple "thank you" is always in order.
• Allowing your inner happiness to shine can bring much needed light to others.
• Send in a special treat for your child's class or your spouse's co-workers.
• Write notes to your family members.
• Write a letter and mail it to a friend. Embellish the envelope with fun stickers.
• Let your kids eat dessert for dinner once in a while. There's nothing wrong with the occasional ice cream sundae dinner.
• Show gratitude and appreciation every day.

Sharing love is FREE! What will you go out and do today that will make a difference to others?