The last two years have brought endless changes, and none of us has made it through the same. But there are a few positive effects of the pandemic, government officials say. One is that more people—and especially young people—are interested in giving back. The question becomes, how can you give back in your community?

Clear out and donate. Simple as it sounds, local thrift and consignment shops are always in need of donations. Donating gently used clothes and other items also stops them from being sent to the landfill, where they can take years to break down. Consolidate your closets, drawers, spare rooms, and more to clear some space, and do some good in your community.

Volunteer your time or skills. A quick search of the LinkedIn Volunteer Marketplace shows that many, many non-profits are in need of skill-based donations: This may include editing, graphic design, administration, social media, legal help, and others. You can also visit VolunteerMatch.org to turn up opportunities that may relate to your talent.

Shop local. It doesn’t get much easier: Making a conscious decision to buy locally—instead of from the big website that shall not be named—only requires some Googling and a trip to a nearby store. Many small businesses may also offer online ordering and delivery. Keeping your purchases local diverts these funds right back into your community.

Be a Big Brother or Sister. Volunteering a few times a month to spend time with your “Little,” as they’re called, can make a world of difference. “Becoming a Big” and mentoring a Little has become even more important post-pandemic as new stressors affect local communities. Right now, there’s an especially high demand for boys needing Big Brothers. 

Perform random acts of kindness. If you can’t commit to a weekly volunteer slot, make it a (spontaneous) daily practice. Offer to cut an elderly neighbor’s lawn. Walk through your neighborhood and clean up trash. Leave goodies or a gift card on a friend’s doorstep.

The community is only as strong as the people make it. When you are actively making the community better, you are making everyone’s life, including your own, that much better. We hope you will go out and make a difference, no matter how big or small.

At Academy Mortgage, we create life-changing experiences through lending. CONTACT US today to explore your financing options.