The District Chronicles

Issue date: 1/31/10 Section: Business

There are many ways to volunteer and support charity including online.

(ARA) - More and more people are resolving to be more giving, and to share what they have with the less fortunate. The current economic climate, however, presents something of a challenge to people who want to give, but lack the budget to do so.

Americans are known for their generous and giving spirits, as well as for their ingenuity, so it's no surprise that they have worked out ways to satisfy the desire to help others without having to sacrifice. If you look in your community, you'll surely find a host of meaningful ways to help others. You can also expand your generosity to act globally, too. Here are some creative ways to give that won't cost you cash.

1. Find nonprofits that offer unique ways to make a difference. The more technology develops, the more we're able to connect with others around the world and help alleviate global poverty.

The Web site JoinMyVillage.com, presented by the humanitarian organization CARE and the food company General Mills, invites people to help fight poverty in Africa. Simply log on to JoinMyVillage.com and join a village team. With that simple act, you'll unlock $1 to help people in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. You can keep unlocking dollars by answering fun quiz questions or by inviting friends to participate (up to $5 per person per day, $150,000 in total).

In just one week, you can unlock enough to buy a new secondary school uniform for a girl in Malawi, which will enable her to attend school. (Just one additional year of education will increase her earning potential by nearly 20 percent over her lifetime and open new doors to the future.) If you're in a position to make a personal donation - even as little as $10 - your contributions will go doubly far because General Mills will match them dollar-for-dollar (up to $500 per donor, another $150,000 in total).

JoinMyVillage.com also has rich stories, and regular progress reports on the women and children you are helping in Malawi. It's a great way to teach children about international development and how to be good global citizens.

2. Use your talents. Do you have a way with words and a passion for language? You might just be a great volunteer to help adult and child immigrants improve their English skills.

Maybe you've got a green thumb - there are charitable organizations that need help with grounds-keeping projects. And if you're a real authority on the ins-and-outs of your city, you could serve as a guide for new immigrants struggling to learn about how to get around, where to go shopping, and the details of everyday life that make a big difference in adjusting to a new society.

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