Tag: charity

Embrace Simplicity During Lent and Ramadan

Posted on by Jordank

The season of repentance arrives for approximately 3 billion people this week. Christians and Muslims throughout the world will begin observing the traditions of Lent and Ramadan Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 by engaging in fasting, prayer and abstinence.

If you’ve ever wondered why the observances are so similar, it’s because the two religions trace their origins to the mystical experiences and religious quests of Abraham. Lent commemorates the 40 days the Hebrews spent in the desert; the month-long Ramadan recalls the moment God revealed the Koran to the prophet Mohammed and follows the broader theological principle of advancing toward holiness on a pilgrimage.

Whatever religion you practice, the season invites everyone to embrace #simplicity. Even if you aren’t observant of a major religion, the monthlong or 40-day timeline can support you in your efforts to be more sensible, healthy, penitent and/or #organized.

Lenten sacrifice calls for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. You may be familiar with the season’s abstinence from eating meat (particularly on Fridays) or individual choices such as abstinence from temptations such as chocolate, alcohol, television or gossip. Almsgiving includes #charity in many forms, including #donations of money, services and goods.

Similarly, Ramadan suggests that Muslims strengthen their connections with Allah by practicing selflessness. “Through acts of charity, Muslims express gratitude for their blessings and demonstrate compassion towards others, embodying the values of empathy and kindness,” says Al-Ayn Social Care Foundation.

For Christians, Muslims and anyone else who feels beset by #clutter, we offer a simple strategy to add to the calendar: #Clean out a #closet, drawer or other #household space and #donate any #extra #stuff to  ClothingDonations.org. You can feel good that the simple act of almsgiving will go toward programs that help #veterans in need.

Whatever else you choose to do during the season of Lent and Ramadan, make a #donation! Whether or not it is part of your religious observance, it will help you embrace a more ascetic and sustainable existence.

Make Space for Charity This Holiday Season

Posted on by Jordank

’Tis the season for #giving! But what will you be giving this year?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with amassing a big pile of gifts under the #Christmas tree. It’s what most Americans have grown to expect over the years, and you might be seen as a spoilsport if you buck consumerism entirely. Everyone likes to open a wrapped #gift!

But also consider making room in your budget and schedule for #charitable #donations this holiday season. It’s a way to share your good fortune with the people and causes that you and yours care about, and even a small #donation can make an impact.

This year is fraught with need. #Charitable organizations worldwide are seeing their funding from the U.S. government dry up. Millions of people are facing food and shelter insecurity every day — overseas and down the street.

Dedicate your dollars to a cause close to your heart. It might be a global concern that feeds people in conflict zones or provides medical care, a nationwide #nonprofit protecting civil liberties or the environment, or the local humane society or food bank.

You can also #donate in another person’s name in lieu of giving some gewgaw that’s destined to wind up in in a landfill. Consider the organizations they value, and give; it’s a particularly good option for a last-minute gift or giving from a distance.

Be sure to pick a charity that uses your donations efficiently. At least 75% of the funds should go to the mission rather than administrative costs, according to Consumer Reports. Check the Charity Navigator to research giving options and charity ratings.

The gift of time is just a valuable. Volunteer at the local homeless or animal shelter. Start a fundraiser for a local charity or a drive to stock the local food pantry. Drop a few toys off for the tots to enjoy. Bring a few treats to the local #veterans’ home.

Speaking of #veterans, there’s an easy way to give that also can help you live a more secure, streamlined and uncluttered life. Bag or box up some of the #clothing and #household items you no longer need and #donate them to ClothingDonations.org.

Whatever you choose, give this #holiday season and throughout the year. For your trouble, you’ll get the good feeling of spreading joy. Happy Holidays from ClothingDonations.org!

Help Your Mom Become More Minimalist

Posted on by Jordank

If you really want to impress a #minimalist #mom, help her #declutter and #organize for #Mother’s Day. She can choose the areas to target; the important part is that you help her edit the #stuff in that space down to the essentials and get rid of the rest. If you find any lightly used goods Mom no longer needs, consider holding a #garage or #tag sale and use the proceeds to take her out to dinner — or #donate that extra #junk to ClothingDonations.org by scheduling a #free #donation #pickup. A Mother’s Day #decluttering can keep Mom happy for weeks and months to come! #MothersDay

The Gift of Your Time Is What Moms Want

Posted on by Jordank

The best thing to give #Mom on #Mother’s Day is your time. Take a bike ride together, visit other relatives, have a picnic in the park or go to a concert — getting out and doing something she likes is the best way to celebrate. Alternatively, take some to-dos off her plate by dedicating a day to #deep-cleaning her house or completing some handyman chores. “If it’s a big job, enlist the help of other family members or hire a service,” Today says. “While some folks don’t mind doing the work themselves, plenty would appreciate someone else doing the heavy lifting.” If you’re far away, don’t forget to call! #MothersDay

Give Mom a Journal to Record Her Memories

Posted on by Jordank

Want to know more about #Mom? One #Mother’s Day #gift that won’t take up much space and deliver mountains of memories is a journal. Journals such as Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story and Burn After Writing offer prompts to help Mom reflect on her own childhood and impart her knowledge, even if she isn’t a seasoned writer or storyteller. “Once mom starts filling out [a] journal book, you’ll be surprised by how much you don’t know about her life,” Wirecutter says. Another idea is a gift certificate for a framing service — which can cut the household #clutter by getting a few of those treasured family photos out of drawers and on display. #MothersDay