New Year's Resolutions Doing the Most Good
It's time to reflect on 2017 and make our resolutions to do better in 2018. Sure, there are the typical plans: eat better, be more active, never leave dishes in the sink, spend time with family, join a professional development group, etc. All of these are good for you to do. But what about doing good? As you make promises to yourself for the coming year, you can easily incorporate making a difference in the community around you as well. Here's how you can do the most good with us throughout the year.
Clean Out Your Closets
Especially after the holidays, we tend to have an excess of... stuff. Instead of telling yourself that you'll use something "someday" and stowing it in the back of a closet, let it go! Don't let stuff clutter your life in 2018; donate goods that you don't want/need to a local Salvation Army Family Store (find a location near you or schedule a pick up at SAtruck.org). Proceeds from the sale of your donated goods support men and women addressing their addictions at our Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
Set Aside Time to Volunteer
Share your talents with those who need it the most! When you volunteer, you share a part of yourself with others. At The Salvation Army, volunteers are needed in many capacities: helping with disaster relief, teaching children music, serving meals to the homeless, planning special events, answering phones, and so much more. Check out the list of volunteer opportunities throughout the Metropolitan Division or email the Volunteer Department to find the right fit for you!
Give a Gift of Support
Whether you decide to give $20 monthly with the Bed & Bread Club or you do a quick click in our Shopify donation catalog once or twice a year, often the best way to support your favorite program is to give a monetary gift. This allows your support to go directly where it is needed the most at the time. When you donate to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, 88 cents of every dollar goes directly into the programs and services for those most in need in Greater Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. Services range from food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disable, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children.
Host a Donation Drive
Though food and hygiene donation drives are plentiful during the holiday season, these items are needed all year long. Consider starting a drive at your business, schools, church or community center to support families and individuals in need throughout the year. The food items most needed include canned fruits/vegetables, granola bars, pastas, peanut butter and jelly. For toiletries and hygiene goods, items most needed include underwear, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs and brushes, shampoo and conditioner, soap, towels and washcloths. For guidance on how to start your own Donation Drive and what goods to collect, email our Volunteer Department or contact a Corps Community Center near you.
Do the most Good
No matter what your New Year's resolutions may be for 2018, The Salvation Army is here to help you do the most good next year.
