Today’s Solutions: December 19, 2025

While financial donations can go a long way in providing help to someone, there are plenty of other ways to give back as well. Specifically, by donating your time! There’s always a need for volunteers, and depending on the organization, volunteer work can be something you do on a regular basis. Here are a few simple ways you can donate your time and give back to others.

Coach a youth team

For many children, sports teams are an essential aspect of everyday life. They help keep kids out of trouble, teach them responsibility, and give them the opportunity to adopt and practice a new skill. Unfortunately, for many youth sports organizations, coaches and instructors are few and far between; and teams rely on local community members to step up and take action. 

Organize a food or clothing drive 

A local food or clothing drive is a great way to help one or multiple families in need. Here is where you can get the rest of your community involved to accumulate donations over a set period of time. Whether your drive is set for one day, or over a few weeks, you can round up many different community members to contribute to your cause. 

Visit a senior living center

The unfortunate reality for many seniors within your community is loneliness. As an active volunteer, you can make a difference by making regular visits and offering assistance where needed. An hour or two each week can help you create relationships with senior residents and surely brighten their day.

Become a community board member 

Community boards and organizations can always use extra help and volunteers. If you have a business or administrative background, you can be a great asset to your community board and other local organizations. Serve your time in your community by organizing different local events that will bring everyone together. 

Some of these ways may have to be put on hold due to the coronavirus lockdowns, but it’s never too early to get planning now!

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

New method uses sound waves to map soil health, stop famine, and restore farm...

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Across the world, soil scientists are trading in their shovels for something unexpected: seismic sensors. In a breakthrough ...

Read More

This simple 15-minute mindset exercise can ease anxiety, science shows

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A growing body of research is revealing how a short, simple activity that is done in just 15 ...

Read More

3 habits of the happiest people

Think of the happiest people you know. Do you find yourself often wondering what they are doing to maintain a general level of joy? ...

Read More

Changemakers of the week: GRuB and SparkNJ

Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, the ones that ...

Read More