Help Out Those Who Have Fallen Victim to the Recession

It's no secret that a lot of people out there are losing their jobs and their homes. For some losing a job can be a lot more serious than just a loss in salary. More people than ever are ending up homeless just trying to keep themselves fed. Making a difference doesn't have to mean spending a bunch of money either. So how can you help?

Here are some super easy ways to help out:

• De-clutter your home
  How does de-cluttering your home help out those in need? Well, go through your closets and decide all of the cloths that you no longer need. If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it. Look especially for warmer cloths like coats that will keep people warm in these harsh winter months. This way you can de-clutter your home and donate to Goodwill all at the same time. You can also de-clutter your pantry, unloading all of the canned goods that you don't think are critical. Donate the food to a local soup kitchen to help feed those that can't get food on the table.


• Adopt a pet
  It is so sad to say but currently families are giving up their family pets because they can no longer afford them. An Associated Press-Petside.com poll found that one in seven owners nationwide reported reduced spending on their pets during the past year's recession. Of those cutting back, more than a quarter said they have seriously considered giving up their pet. Often these family pets get put down. In fact, the latest addition to our family, Bella, was an abandoned cocker spaniel that we rescued just in time. I cannot even fathom the thought of my life without Ms. Bella and to think that she could have been put down just like the estimated between 3 and 4 million family pets put down every year. So if you're thinking about getting an extra family member, now is the time to adopt from the animal shelter.


• Don't give up on your favorite eco-charities
  Even when times are tough if there is any way to avoid giving up your regular donations to your favorite environmental charity, don't stop giving, because these organizations are getting hit as hard or harder than corporations. Here's how to choose a green charity. And if you can't give up your money, give up your time. Many non-profits and charities are laying off their employees and could use all the help that they can get. Help out at a local wildlife center, the SPCA, or a local environmental non-profit.

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