New Year’s Resolutions That Do The Most Good
It’s time to reflect on 2018 and make our resolutions to do the most good in 2019. 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 2019; 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!
START YOUR OWN FUNDRAISER
Amplify your impact by creating your own fundraiser to support The Salvation Army at FundraiseForGood.org, and provide hope to those in need in your community. Want some ideas? Start a new tradition of giving: host an inaugural dinner party and encourage guests to donate to your fundraiser page for a seat at the table. Celebrate Chicago's "Winter Wonderland" by opening a hot cocoa stand outside your home or place of worship - then whip up some hot chocolate for a good cause! If you're taking on a personal challenge, ask friends and loved ones to encourage you by donating to your fundraiser.
GIVE A GIFT OF SUPPORT
Whether you decide to give $20 monthly with the Bed & Bread Club of Chicago or you tell Alexa to donate to The Salvation Army, often the best way to support your favorite program in your local community 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 Divisional 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 2019, The Salvation Army is here to help you Do The Most Good next year.
