Whether you’re interested in donating time, resources or simply spreading joy, get energized with these ideas.

Volunteer Your Time

Your time is a powerful gift. With just a few hours, you can make an impact by serving meals at a homeless shelter, organizing donations at a food pantry or caring for animals at a rescue center. If you have skills to share, consider mentoring young students, teaching a language class or offering other professional guidance at a community center. During the holiday season, nonprofits are especially busy and in need of extra helping hands. Not sure where to start? Check out Volunteer Match, which can help you find a local charity based on your interests and schedule.

Donate Resources

Nonprofit organizations rely on financial and in-kind gifts to advance their mission. If you’re short on time, consider giving to a group that supports causes you care about, whether it’s pediatric cancer research or disaster relief services. You can also donate blood at your local American Red Cross branch or bring clothes, food and other items to shelters, schools and refugee centers. If you’d like to make your contributions go further, look for business partners or retailers willing to match your donation on Giving Tuesday. To better understand how funds are used, Charity Navigator offers free access to data and resources to help guide your philanthropic decision-making.

Organize a Group Effort

Make your give-back initiative even more meaningful by involving family, friends and neighbors. You could include your children in adopting a local family through a nonprofit or church to supply food and other essential items. Provide holiday gifts to children in need by joining or starting a toy drive. Combine fitness with your charitable endeavor by rounding up friends to participate in a walk/run fundraiser as a team. Feeling extra ambitious? If you have a cause near and dear to your heart, consider organizing your own community service project or fundraising event.

Reward yourself and others by embracing the season’s spirit! Visit the Giving Tuesday website for more creative and inspiring ideas on how people around the world are making a lasting difference.