Choosing to Make a Difference
When I was building Better Life Maids I knew that our business had to have a conscious, a set of guiding principles that would help make sure that we stayed on the right path, especially putting people before profits. That is part of how we developed the CORE Values of Better Life Maids. We use these values to make sure we stay on course with everything we do.
Our CORE Values were very influential in our decision to partner with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit that facilitates free house cleaning visits for women undergoing cancer treatment. Cleaning for a Reason has been a very rewarding part of our business.
Being willing to make a difference in the lives of others enriches not only them, but you, too. Regardless of how you decide to make a difference, know that you’ll be bringing a smile to someone’s face and having a positive effect on other people’s lives. And some thing you can do provide tax breaks, too (if that’s one of your aims in donating anything). Some, however, just make you feel good. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Donate Money
The first thing most people think of when wanting to give is donating money. This is probably the easiest thing to do. It takes little effort and is quickly accomplished. There are hundreds of charities around the world that could use your financial help. Even small donations go a long way to helping others. When you add all the donations together, your contribution can have a huge impact. And you don’t have go halfway around the world to donate. Consider giving money to a local religious organization or school fundraising project.
Donate Time
Another great way to make a difference is to volunteer. From working at an animal shelter to giving your time to raise money for a non-profit, there are many ways to help. Investigate the needs within your community and offer what you can to help meet those needs.
Think about the causes you believe in and contact the local organizations that support them. The people working at these organizations will have ideas for ways you can help that you might not have thought of.
Donate Goods
Done an inventory of what’s in your attic recently? Want to redecorate and don’t know what to do with that old couch? Or, have an old car that runs but you no longer need? Many charities will accept used clothing, furniture and cars for the less fortunate. I know selling things on EBay is popular, but consider donating them instead. You’ll be supporting your local community and you can still take advantage of a tax break as long as you accurately estimate the value of the goods donated.
These last two might not be top of mind but provide untold benefits to the recipient – the main one being the gift of healing.
Donate Blood
Giving blood is truly giving the gift of life. Blood banks often host blood drives at strategic locations throughout the community because they frequently lack the supply needed to meet the demand. By giving blood, you are helping to meet this demand.
Be an Organ Donor
Registering as an organ donor is usually as simple as indicating you want to do so on the back of your driver’s license or state ID. And it’s free. The result of your selfless generosity is priceless.
Whatever you decide to do, by taking time to consider how your gifts and abilities could be used to serve the people around you, you’ll not only feel good yourself, but you’ll be making the world a better place, too.
About Better Life Maids
Better Life Maids is a green house cleaning service founded in St. Louis, MO. It has created a unique marketing partnership with Better Life a natural household cleaning products manufacturer. Together they are working to create the first national name brand in natural household cleaning products and green house cleaning services. Better Life Maids is expanding in select markets through a franchise development system. For more information visit https://www.betterlifemaids.com or http://www.cleanhappens.com.