These days, there are more ways to help others than ever before, with in the U.S. alone. Many of these organizations provide opportunities to give with just the click of the mouse, so perhaps it's no surprise that to charity in 2017, or that in 2018, 77.4 million Americans , logging 6.9 billion volunteer hours.
With so many choices available to get involved and give back, busy individuals might have a hard time narrowing down their options. With that in mind, ±¬ÁÏTV has put together a list highlighting some everyday options for being charitable.
To compile this list, ±¬ÁÏTV set out to find causes that are possible to support on a day-to-day basis, are widely accessible to readers across the U.S., and manageable for all income levels. ±¬ÁÏTV has highlighted the simple, the convenient, the creative, and the most unique opportunitiesÌýto pay it forward.
Check your schedule and maybe even grab your wallet, there's something to inspire nearly everyone in the slideshow ahead.
´¡³¢³§°¿:Ìý
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Dec. 15, 2025
1 / 50
Pick up litter, with a twist
Those interested in helping the environment and tending to their overall health , a new trend originally developed by Sweden's Erik Ahlström. It's easy enough; while jogging, keep an eye out forÌýtrash and litter, and pick it up as you go.
2 / 50
Pay for someone else at the drive-thru
It's sometimes dubbed “,� although participants technically pay for the person behind them. The phenomenon of for the person after you in the drive-thru is a relatively new trend that's picked up steam in recent years.
3 / 50
Overtip
Like paying it forward at a drive-thru, overtipping is a one-time, semi-anonymous gesture made to —of the recipient. Those looking for inspiration, or even some contagious cheer, may want to for examples.
4 / 50
Keep those hotel giveaways
Savvy travelers may want to leave a little extra room in their suitcases. The can be useful to a number of organizations, including many local shelters. Even major hotel chains are hopping on the bandwagon and
6 / 50
Try One Today
One of many apps designed to , One Today urges users to “make it your very own generosity app.� One dollar each day to the giver's charity of choice.
7 / 50
Put your gift cards to good use
Unused than simply take up wallet space. A number of services allow you to to a charity of choice, and others will via mail. Regional organizations can likely benefit too, just be sure to check in first and make sure they accept gift cards.
8 / 50
Share The Meal
ShareTheMeal that allows users to to feed a child for a day. The app comes from the United Nations'ÌýWorld Food Programme, and has to date.
9 / 50
Explore fandom
Fans of popular entertainment can find opportunities to give back in the spirit of their favorite book or movie, if they . Examples of organizations directly tied to iconic cultural properties include the ") and (founded by "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling). Those who want to dig a little deeper may find just the at Charitybuzz. Ìý
11 / 50
Donate a photo
This Johnson & Johnson sponsored app that allows contributors to upload daily photos. With every submission, $1Ìýis , so there is no money out of pocket for users.
12 / 50
Install a bat house
Bats , so almost anyone can . Installing a bat house can be a one-time effort that does a lot of good for the local ecosystems.
13 / 50
Attend an agriculturally minded concert
Originally started by musicians Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, Farm Aid's mission is to “.� Their flagship event is an annual concert, but there are a number of other ways to help.
Ìý
14 / 50
Make a one-time donation
Giving money may be among the first things to come to mind. For those inclined, there are plenty of resources available to in a way that the giver deems appropriate.
15 / 50
Commit to a regular random act of kindness
Performing a random act of kindness, either independently or in line —w³ó¾±³¦³ó to support their mission—is often simple, inexpensive, and just the thing to brighten someone's day. Plenty of other to help spark ideas for those who'd rather operate independently.
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Jan. 26, 2026
16 / 50
Share the spotlight with an important cause
Whether , graduation, anniversary, or retirement—or even planning a watch party for a favorite game or big awards show—it's easy to to charity. Attendees may welcome the chance to bring donations and support a relevant cause.
17 / 50
Pay for school lunches
Writer Ashley C. Ford of paying for lunches in 2017, and has since launched a landslide of giving. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to handling outstanding lunch debt, so potential donors will want to or districts they'd like to help.
18 / 50
Bring kids along to volunteer opportunities
Kids can bring new energy when they with friends or family. Grown-ups want to be sure that the , but with plenty of options out there, they shouldn't have a problem.
19 / 50
Donate frequent flyer miles
A number of airlines allow customers to to a charity of their choosing. Once the traveler has collected enough miles to , they can often do it by calling the airline or logging into their mileage account.
20 / 50
Plan a swap with friends
21 / 50
Handwrite notes of encouragement
Putting , or even crayon to card, rarely takes more than a few minutes, and only requires a postage stamp to reach its destination. Cards can be , or anytime the giver wishes to of the recipient.
22 / 50
Consider a little library
Little Free Libraries, dubbed “,� expand traditional library values of reading and community to neighborhoods across the U.S.. Although some Little Free Libraries have , many folks are still .
23 / 50
Check out Little Free Pantries
In the same spirit of Little Free Libraries, Little Free Pantries , and combat food insecurity. A mom in Arkansas , which has quickly spread since 2016.
24 / 50
Donate stocks or bonds
Someone with stocks or bonds they're might be happy to know that donating them can help save money on their income taxes, too. Many large and well-known organizations, like and the , make the process easy and accessible.
25 / 50
Download Forest
Those looking to with personal productivity will find that exact opportunity with Forest. The app helps motivate users to stay off their phones by giving the when enough goals have been reached.
You may also like: Cheapest gas stations in every state Dec. 18, 2025
26 / 50
Purchase from businesses that donate
The “buy one, give oneâ€� business model was , and the idea has only spread since their 2006 founding. Many businesses and brands have adopted similar models, offering goods like .Ìý
27 / 50
Visit AmazonSmile
With the same features and products as Amazon, users may find AmazonSmile hard to pass up. On qualifying purchases, of the shopper's choice.
28 / 50
Bid for good
Another idea for those looking to with their online shoppingÌýis BiddingForGood. The company, originally founded in 2003,Ìý originally , and provides a platform for fundraisers of all kinds to take their efforts online.
29 / 50
Donate bras
A much needed, but often-forgotten item , bras and undergarments can make a huge difference in the lives of recipients. Consider local organizations, or, a national organization.
Ìý
30 / 50
Send care packages
Military personnel who are far from home can enjoy the kindness of strangers with the help of a number of organizations. The Department of Defense list for those looking to send care packages to those deployed overseas.
You may also like: Cheapest gas stations in every state Feb. 5, 2026
31 / 50
Set-up recurring donations
Philanthropists who prefer a longer commitment may be drawn to some of the many organizations allow donors to opt-in and . It can be a great fit for those who want an ongoing relationship with their cause of choice, or those whose budget allows forÌýsteady contributions.
32 / 50
Host a fundraiser
It's not just car washes and cookie sales; there are endless . A personal garage sale with a commitment to donate earnings, or even a community event with a donation jar can still shift the focus toward others.
33 / 50
Try Tab for a Cause
Tab for a Cause takes over a web browser's “new tab� page and offers a cleanly designed page with various features, including some ads. Showing ads , which in turn of the user's choice.
34 / 50
Do some creative canning
Participating in a Canstruction event might be a great match for those with a competitive spirit, artistic streak, and a passion for fighting hunger. Events are hosted throughout the globe, with participants creating (often elaborate) , and ultimately donating the materials used.
36 / 50
Purchase to share
Consider putting a few extra dollars towards goods that are often used up and need to be replaced, or personal hygiene items. It may , but the impact can be significant, .
37 / 50
Use that green thumb for good
Growing one's own food has a number of benefits for the environment, though home gardeners may be happy to know thatÌý, they can help their communities, too. The search tool can help users find local food banks that will .
38 / 50
Go the extra mile
Runners, walkers, athletes, or those looking for motivation to move more will . The app tracks steps, and . It's free, and funds come from a corporate donorship pool, so it costs nothing for users to contribute.
39 / 50
Show up, even just once
A number of organizations that often don't require more than a few hours of time, such asÌý. Those interested should scheduled around key dates and holidays.
40 / 50
Donate breast milk
Though it's something that only lactating mothers can consider, donated breast milk in the lives of young babies and their families. Donors can also take comfort in knowing that many organizations prioritize recipients based on need, meaning that their milk is most likely who can most benefit from it.
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in the U.S. in the last week Feb. 9, 2026
41 / 50
Involve four-legged friends
Pet owners may be happy to hear that they don't have to leave their best friends at home when they volunteer. A number of who want to include their dog or cat in their volunteer efforts, too.
42 / 50
Support local libraries
Showing up and checking out books is often all that's asked of library patrons, but don't forget that libraries , too. Friends of the library programs give neighbors . Ensure that your library card is up to date and that your local branch has your information so you can hear about upcoming happenings.
43 / 50
Take a ride
Avid bikers may not need an excuse to hop on their motorcycle, but it turns out that there are plenty. Groups like the Ìýand are established nonprofits,Ìýwhile countless other rides and events are often availableÌýfor bikers who know .
44 / 50
Have some guilt-free snacks
Love with Food , and in an effort to combat hunger, donates one or two meals for each delivery made, depending on the size of the box. Monthly plans start at $7.99 per boxÌýand promise at least seven snacks.
45 / 50
Donate in someone else's honor
46 / 50
Attend a fundraiser
Trading dinner in a restaurant for a benefitÌýor a movie night for a silent auction is a chance to put funds that would have been spent anyways towardÌýsomething that benefits the greater good. A may also inspire other ideas.
47 / 50
Donate a personal item
One person's junk is another person's treasure, which is another person's charitable donation, or so the saying goes. If you have unneeded or in new or gently used condition, there are a number of ways those items may help someone else. Try keeping a bin or box in a nondescript part of your home to collect items as you go and make the process less daunting.
48 / 50
Serve a meal
There are in-person with local food banks and . Commitments can range from one visit to long-term partnerships.
49 / 50
Be intentional about giving clothes away
Donating clothes may seem easy enough, but giveaways can end up on a variety of paths, some of which are likely . Donors who want to ensure their giveaways are doing the most possible good may want to do some research .
50 / 50
Offer a skill or trade
Professional knowledge and abilities can serve more than just an employer. A wealth of technical, creative, and industry-specific skills and other groups to advance missions that matter. Volunteer matching service Catchafire can help those interested .
Ìý
You may also like: Cheapest gas stations in every state Dec. 11, 2025