As a college student (Rochester Institute of Technology; hometown of George Eastman!) about to graduate in a less than hospitable job market, I am, how should I say, flat broke. I have so little money I can’t even pretend to hear the pennies I deposit from my student job jingle around my checking account. They just get absorbed by that massive, dark cloud we call “student loans”.
That being said, I have it pretty good for a broke 20-something woman and I try to give back in little ways, whenever possible. The Salvation Army bucket bell ringers at the mall are my friends when I only have change to offer. (And no, @MjBubbles didn’t pay me to say that. Love the credit card swipers!) Another favorite is to volunteer at local airports as a travel ambassador. Only too often I’ve been the frustrated traveler on the other side of the counter. Even if it’s only a two hour delay, that’s two more hours on top of a whole semester without a real meal. It’s really nice to be helped by a fresh, friendly face who isn’t trying to persuade sixteen volunteers to give up their seats. Most airports around the country offer an opportunity like this through Travelers Aid or local organizations, and it’s especially helpful to volunteer during the heavy travel season when they really need a few extra hands. It’s a great volunteer experience. After all, how hard is it to read off flight numbers and baggage claims info? I basically spend the day getting thanked.
One expense I can never seem to find the funds for is charitable giving. But the holidays are right beyond the pile of research I have to cram into the next week, and Saint Nick and Hanukkah Harry are tuggin’ at my heartstrings. Here’s a great way to give back I’m trying this year, that should work for even the most broke, busiest bloke amongst us: collect sample soaps to give to your favorite organization.
Sample Soaps Volunteer Organi
zation, a local group here in Rochester, NY, collects sample soaps all year round and gives them to homeless and low-income families. Personal care and hygiene products we see as a given can be a real ego boost and improve the quality of life dramatically for poor families. There’s sure to be an organization, shelter, or drop-in center in your community that could make good use of these items. And it’s free! As I drive back from Oklahoma to Rochester (rockin’ the hatchback), I’ll be staying in at least a few cheap motels. If I’m going to stuff muffins from the free continental buffet in my purse, I can make room for a half dozen shampoos and toothpastes, too.
So, when you’re traveling this holiday season, grab those tiny bottles and soaps from your hotel bathroom before you leave and donate them to a shelter back at home. You can even take it a step further, and set up a collection bucket at your office or school. Make a competition out of it. Whoever brings in the most coriander-scented hand lotion wins! Smells good to me.
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Tags: Christmas, donate, Hanukkah, homeless, Salvation Army, sample soaps, shelter, soap, travel ambassador, Travelers Aid, volunteer
