When the economy is weak, Americans tend cut back on charitable donations – at a time when charities need them the most. A faltering economy calls for financially responsible decisions, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Here are some great tips for helping those in need without breaking the bank.

Small ways to make a big difference

You can help without making a large cash donation. Here are easy ideas that won’t strain your budget, but will add up in the long run:

• A little can go a long way. Simply giving five to ten dollars to your favorite charity can make a big difference. Don’t avoid the Salvation Army Santas ringing bells at your local grocery store: just grab whatever loose change is in your wallet and flash them a smile as you toss it into the pot.
• Donate food or clothes. Got a couple of extra cans of beans or soup in your pantry? Keep a few non-perishables in your car so you’ll be ready when you see a collection barrel. Or go through your closet and dig out those old sweaters or jackets you haven’t worn in years – someone will find them useful for staying stay warm this winter.
• Donate time. Volunteer! Giving your time and energy to help someone else is very satisfying, and many charities can use the help. Ring bells for the Salvation Army, work at a soup kitchen, or drive a delivery van for canned food drives.

Finding the right charity

Want to make a donation, but not sure where to give? Here are just a few of the many worthy organizations aiming to spread joy this holiday season:

• Make a Wish Foundation. The Make a Wish Foundation has been granting wishes to children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses and conditions for decades. Go to
  www.wish.org to find out what children are eligible, learn how to donate or volunteer.

• Secret Santa. Much more thoughtful than hosting a Secret Santa party for your co-workers! A non-profit community connecting people to their local toy drive,

  secretsanta.org aims to help get toys and charitable donations (like coats and jackets) to people who wouldn’t otherwise be receiving gifts this holiday season.

  JustGive.org to create a wish list, or search the database for a cause that’s important to you.

• Humane Society. The Humane Society is the largest, most effective animal rescue and protection organization in the U.S. They’re always happy to accept monetary contributions or pet supplies. You can also volunteer at a local shelter – go to

  HSUS.org for more information.

Make a difference while you surf

Do you have internet access and a minute to spare? Simply go online and click to save the rainforest, fight breast cancer, feed the hungry, or help rescued animals! 100% of the sponsor advertisement money goes to charity, and it’s free – all you have to do is click on the indicated banner.

With just one click, you can:

• Protect 11.4 square feet of rainforest – forever! Visit TheRainforestSite.com.
• Arrange a free mammogram for a woman in need. Visit TheBreastCancerSite.com.
• Give 1.1 cups of food to the hungry. Visit TheHungerSite.com.
• Give .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Visit TheAnimalRescueSite.com.

Other ways to give:

• Donate your computer. Wondering what to do with that old computer or printer? Donate them to groups that could really use them! Homes that help orphans, battered women, and some public schools all accept used computers and hardware.
  Cristina.org keeps a database of charities looking for used items – they’ll take your old computer or hardware and give it to those who need it most.

• Give an animal. Pigs, llamas, cows…livestock can provide valuable food and byproducts to feed an entire village in developing countries. Heifer International
  (Heifer.org) gives you the option to give an entire animal, or share the cost with other donors.

• Donate your old cell phone. The Wireless Foundation
  (WirelessFoundation.org) gives old cell phones to battered women so they can call for help when they need it. They are programmed to only call 911 directly – and could potentially save a life.
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There are many realistic artificial trees on the market, but for some, nothing replaces the fresh smell of the real thing. With fresh-cut trees, however, can come messy needles – and, if your tree dries out, a potential fire hazard. These simple tips will help keep your tree fresh and beautiful throughout the season!

1. Don’t hurry the season. To ensure your tree looks fresh and lovely on Christmas Day, bring it home no more than four or, at most, five weeks before New Year’s Day. If you’re in a hurry to get into the spirit of the season, put your other decorations up first.
2. Choose the freshest tree possible. The more recently the tree was cut, the longer it will stay fresh.
   When buying it from a neighborhood lot, make sure the needles look shiny, green, and fresh — not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch.

3. Keep it in a shady spot. If you buy your tree a few days before you plan to put it up, keep it outdoors in a cool, shady place. As soon as you get your tree home, cut an inch off the trunk and stand it in a bucket of water until you’re ready to bring it inside. Cut an additional half-inch off the base of the trunk just prior to setting the tree up.
4. Use an antitranspirant. Before bringing the tree indoors, spray it with an antitranspirant. Found in the gardening section of many stores, an antitranspirant coats the needles with a clear film, slowing water loss.
5. Keep the tree away from direct heat. Put the tree in a spot that’s well away from a fireplace, stove, heating vent, radiator or other heat source (this includes your television).
6. Use mini lights. Miniature lights produce less heat than large bulbs and won’t dry the tree out as quickly. LEDs stay cooler and last a lot longer than standard lights. Use UL-approved electrical cords, making sure they aren’t worn or frayed. Be sure to unplug the lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
7. Keep it wet. Choose a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water. The tree should start taking in water right away – keep adding plain tap water until the level stays the same.
8. Check the water level often. Monitor the amount of water in the tree stand. If it drops below the cut end of the trunk, resin can form. If this happens, add hot water to melt the resin and improve water intake. If this doesn’t work, you might need to make another cut.

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Turkey Day is coming! In honor of the season, we’re sharing some of our fondest Thanksgiving memories.

Continue Reading The Solutions Team Shares Fond and Funny Thanksgiving Memories

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