Happy fall! With summer fading into the background, fall takes center-stage, and with it, some of the greatest parts of the season. Whether it’s crunchy colored leaves falling from the trees, the smell of pumpkin spice floating through the air or the brisk chill in the wind which reminds us winter is just around the corner, fall is the perfect season to get outside.
And of course, as we go outside and have fun during the fall, there are also a plethora of ways to give back in the community. If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, take advantage of the season of fall to dive into getting involved. Here are five fun ways to give back this fall.
1. Help rake leaves.
This one seems simple, but it can actually be a big way to give back and help neighbors around your community. As the season shifts, the trees’ leaves begin to change colors and of course… fall. If you see someone near you who has a lot of leaves in their yard, is older or is unable to rake the leaves themselves, see how you can help out by raking up their leaves. Or, if leaves aren’t a big issue, see what other chores you can help with around the house, such as trimming branches before winter or weeding out the flower beds. The more you can do to support others this season, the better you will feel by giving back.
2. Have a fall cleaning day.
You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but why not try fall cleaning? Things tend to get a little dirty during the summertime, so use the season of fall to clean out your home, workplace or even popular areas in the community. Get rid of items you didn’t use over the last few months, and consider donating any new or gently used items to a local organization you care about. Or, have a fall cleaning day in your community by volunteering to clean out local trails, clubhouses or community gardens. By giving back and cleaning up areas around you, you can start the season of fall off on a great note.
3. Share your Halloween costumes.
One thing fall is most well-known for is, of course, Halloween. Although Halloween is still far-off, you can take advantage of the holiday to give back to your community. For example, consider sharing your Halloween costume with those who might not be able to get out during the holiday. Go to a local retirement home and show off yours and your families’ costumes to brighten the residents’ day. Or, visit a local children’s hospital and share your creative costume with the kids there who might not be able to go trick-or-treating. Showing off your Halloween costume might seem like a simple task, but it is a great way to show others you care about them this season.
4. Trick-or-treat for a cause.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, as we get closer to Halloween, consider trick-or-treating for a cause you care about. For instance, check with local children’s groups to see if they need any volunteers to take kids out on Halloween. Then, take a group of underprivileged children trick-or-treating around your neighborhood. Or, get involved with a larger organization like Trick-or-Treat for Unicef or the March of Dimes and trick-or-treat for donations instead of candy. However you decide to trick-or-treat this fall, consider how you can use the opportunity to give back and help others.
5. Stock up on food.
Finally, what comes after Halloween? You guessed it, Thanksgiving. And while Thanksgiving may still be a ways away, it’s never too early to start stocking up on food that you can donate to a cause in need. For instance, consider the food bank in your community. Are they well-stocked for the upcoming winter, which pushes people inside from the cold? Are they prepared to house and host people who have nowhere else to go for the holidays? If not, you can help by stocking up on food now in order to donate it later. Use the season of fall as an opportunity to stock up and give back to people who need it the most.
Fall is officially here, and with it comes plenty of opportunities for fun, food and—of course—giving back. Use this season as a chance to see how you can get involved in your community. Take advantage of these ideas for a fun fall packed full with giving back to others.
