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Giving comes in many forms, and I believe that we all have so many ways to give to those in need. If we all make a plan to give our Time, Talents, and Money to make the world a better place, it truly will become better. Little by little. With that in mind, the following are ideas where you can give your time, talents, and money to help make a positive change. Plan now, so that you will have the time and money set aside. Then work through you Fall Giving Plan, blessing those around you.

Easy Ways to Build a Fall Giving Plan

Time

-Giving your time can be a simple 1/2 hour adventure, or offering a weekend to cook pies for a free Thanksgiving Dinner. Either way, schedule your days so that you have time to share.

Talents

Are you an amazing cook, talented with decorating, or amazing at teaching kids to read? Use your talents to bless those around you.

Money

In early September take a good look at your finances for the Fall season and make a decision on how much you can give. It is important to look at all of the extra expenses from pumpkin patches to Christmas presents. Plan what you will give, and stick with it. This will alleviate stress, and ensure you can take care of your families needs, and bless others as well.

September

September is a great time to start fall giving by helping kids and classrooms in need have everything needed for a successful school year. Although July and August often have programs available to help fill classrooms and backpacks with needed supplies, September is when the reality of the need hits families. Check with local schools on donation needs. For more information check out my post on giving School Supplies here. 

Back to School

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Another great way to give in September is to donate your time. Classrooms are looking for a Room Parent. This is typically someone who will take charge of the party planning, ensure the games and snacks are ready for holiday events and help to gather volunteers when needed. This is a great opportunity for a parent who loves to organize, cook, and decorate. It is typically only a few hours a month, but makes a huge impact on the students, and is a great gift to the teacher.

Easy Ways to Build a Fall Giving Plan

Maybe Academics is more your style

Volunteer to help in the classroom, or in after school programs to help students with learning challenges. Spending a few hours each week helping students with reading, mathematics,  or another subject can make a huge impact on their lives, both now and in the future.

Maybe you want to keep a little closer to home. Winter will soon be on its way, and those struggling financially will need winter gear. Plan time in your September calendar to spend the day cleaning out closets and drawers. Jackets, Scarves, Warm Socks, Boots, and Gloves are always needed. But, these items can be difficult to put in the budget when money is tight. Donate these items, as well as warm winter blankets or sleeping bags to Homeless Shelters, Schools, Women’s Shelters, Thrift Stores or Coat Drives.  You will have a clean closet, and a family in need will be blessed!

October

As October arrives the crisp scent of Fall fills the air. Our first stop in October is the Pumpkin Patch! Fresh Apple Cider, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkins everywhere! Not all families can afford the cost of heading to the Pumpkin Patch. Offer to take a few kids along on your trip to the Pumpkin Patch. Or, host a pumpkin painting party at your home. Invite a few of the neighborhood kids, and supply the pumpkins, treats, and fun!

Building a Fall Giving Plan

Fall Costumes

Once the pumpkins are on the porch, children start planning their Halloween and Harvest Party costumes. Often, costumes are not affordable. Look through your children’s past costumes, and talk with them about the possibility of donation to a thrift store of children’s shelter. Or, if you are a super crafty person, offer to make a costume for a child in need. Foster Care agencies and schools often know which kids might love this blessing.

As Red, Gold, and Yellow leaves make their way from the treetops to the lawn the need for raking increases. A great way to give is to block off a few hours one weekend and add an extra lawn to your raking schedule. If you have a neighbor who is elderly, disabled, or simply low on time, a free yard raking could turn a fall challenge into a blessing.

November

November is filled with giving opportunities. It is important to plan ahead so that you don’t get overwhelmed, and can truly choose the opportunities that best suit your budget and time. First, it is great to donate to a food drive. Sometimes, its as simple as adding a few items in your cart at the grocery store, and dropping in the barrel on the way out. Or, you might want to purchase items and take directly to a food bank or food closet.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Invite someone without a place to go to Thanksgiving dinner. Almost every year we have someone at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter who does not have anywhere to go. It always adds to the conversation and brings up various traditions, perspectives, and memories. I highly recommend it.

Set an Extra Plate at the Thanksgiving Table

Another option is to host a Friendsgiving. Invite a group of friends or acquaintances who don’t currently have plans for the holiday. If you are concerned about cost, ask friends to bring a potluck dish to share! Don’t feel like you have to go over the top on the celebration! Bring out the decor you have, plan a simple meal, and remember that the most important part is spending time being thankful for the relationships you have in your life. End the night by playing cards, a board game, or a rousing round of charades.

Help a Neighbor with Christmas Lights

December

Plan now to shop for the kids on Angel Tree. Prison Fellowship offers an amazing program for donating gifts to the children of incarcerated parents. Local volunteers contact the families to find out the specific needs of the child, as well as the toy wish list. Then local families can choose an Angel from the Tree and purchase an outfit or toy that would perfectly fit the needs of the children. It is an amazing program and you can find out more information here.

Fall Giving Plan

Christmas Decorations

Another great way to donate time and help someone celebrate is to offer to put up Christmas Lights for an elderly neighbor or widow. This would cost nothing but would brighten the holiday for someone who might not be able to put lights on the house. Or, maybe you prefer to help inside the home. Offering to help a new widow put up their tree and holiday decorations. This helps in two ways. First,  it is always great to have a second set of hands available when putting up the decorations. But, almost more important is having someone with you to hear the stories of Christmas past. Or, maybe you want something simple like baking bread for the neighbors. You can read more last-minute giving ideas here.  

Another idea to bless those in need in December is to support Samaritan’s Purse. For many years we have filled a shoebox full of personal care items and toys for a child in a third world country. The Operation Christmas Child Program facilitates the collecting and delivering of shoe boxes filled with gifts to children who are desperately in need. You can learn more here. 

I truly love the fall season and donating time, talents, and money makes it all the more special. And, I hope you find a few ideas in this post to help you plan your fall giving and I am including a link below to a Free Printable Fall Giving Planner. Please share your giving plans in the comments below as I am always looking for giving inspiration!

How to Build a Fall Giving Plan

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Easy Ways to Build a Fall Giving Plan