A few ways to give back

Everybody gets to a point where they decide they want to give something back, either to their community or to the world at large. And, there are always the usual outlets, often coming in the form of a sheet of free address labels in exchange for a small donation. But, what if you want to try something a little different? Here are a few suggestions, off the beaten path. I don't intend on being preachy with these suggestions. We all have our own situations, and some of these don't allow for such donations. However, if you are looking for something, you may want to try one of the following:

Kiva has now been around for a few years, and is, as they put it, "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website." Essentially, you as the user lend a chosen amount of money to entrepreneurs all around the world's most impoverished nations. These loans help build businesses in hopes that they improve the livelihood of the owner and also the quality of their neighborhoods. Once the full loan is received (usually through anywhere from 10 to 20 contributors), the business owner begins paying it back. This is usually a six-to-eight month process from start to finish. Over this time, you receive your money in small increments, to either loan again or to collect. 

I'm a big fan of Kiva. It lets you take $25 and, over the course of time, really help change multiple lives. 

Connecticut is one of the fittest states in the nation, so there must be a few runners out there reading these words. The most recent issue of Runner's World had an article on the website Medals 4 Mettle. The goal of M4M is to collect racing medals from marathon finishers to give to hospital patients, individuals who show each and every day the courage necessary to make it through either disease, disability, and other challenges. Through the M4M website, you can send old medals to bring hope to these people, and help them realize that they're not just strong individuals, but are also in the thoughts of those out in the world.

VOLUNTEER

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are plenty of places in each and every community that need volunteers. Even I, the Trailing Spouse, began volunteering recently at a local organization. It doesn't require much time, and the few hours a week you contribute actually mean more than you realize. Plus, Thanksgiving will be here before you know it and many local soup kitchens and food pantries will need volunteers to help make the holiday special for everyone.

I won't bore you all with a longer list. How about all of you out there? Any specific charities you donate to? How about local organizations? Who needs help out there? Let us all know.