5 Ways to Give this Season (that don't cost a dime)

The holiday season tends to invoke the spirit of giving but we don't always have a ton of extra cash. That's ok, there are plenty of ways to have a positive impact on the community and your fellows without spending a dime...

1. Smile

Smiling may seem like an involuntary response to something cute or funny, but it is much more than that. Studies suggest that smiling, forced or not, can have a positive effect on your mood, decrease stress levels, and even make everyone around you feel better. And it's FREE. What happy news! Read 9 Surprising Reasons You Should Smile More. 

2. Give Blood

Approximately 40,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States. Approximately 1 out of every 7 people entering the hospital needs blood. 1 donation has the potential to save as many as 3 lives. Giving blood is easy and free. Visit https://www.bloodcenters.org/ for a donation center near you. 

3. Clean out your closet. 

We all have things hanging in the back of our closet that we haven't worn in years. The fact is there are many people who would put great use to those things. In the Sonoma County area, you can connect with the Salvation Army https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/    

Alphabet Soup Thrift Store:    

Sacks Hospice of Petaluma:  (aka Sacks Thrift Avenue)

4. Give Time + Clean out your pantry 

It's the sad truth that Sonoma County has a growing homeless population and despite our beautiful climate, our nights are cold and wet. Give time or donate non-perishable items to organizations such as: COTS https://www.cots-homeless.org/ and the Mary Isaak Center https://www.shelterlistings.org/details/22519/ here in Petaluma.

5. Spend time with Animals

Animal shelters are always full! The animals as well as the workers always love an extra set of hands to help with feedings, clean up and play time. Spend time with animals at the Petaluma Animal Shelter https://www.petalumaanimalshelter.org/ .  We have one of the most amazing shelters around! Be a part of it!