With the state of the economy it is difficult to decide how and where to spend discretionary funds. I used to give through payroll deductions, but now I'm no longer have a traditional job with regular pay checks. I'm on my own. So I am looking at ways to continue to contribute to my selected charities: Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association and Disabled Veterans.

I am fortunate. I'm an event planner. I've decided to organize two fund-raising events this year. But I know I can do more.  I also sell online.  I am having my new website built.  I intend to designate a percentage of sales to my charities.

We can each give just a little throughout the year and it won't hurt a bit, here's how.

There are many, many deserving charities. I can't help them all, but I have some ideas I want to share. Now that Christmas has passed I think people should continue with the spirit of Christmas giving all year long.

Ideas for Giving throughout the Year

1. If you work in an office, garage or retail, place a penny barrel, or box for food and label it: Help Us Support (insert the name of your charity).
2. Whenever you plan a gathering, ask your guests to bring an item of food.
3. Selling at a swap meet or farmer's market? Donate a percentage to your charity.
4. Selling online? Donate a percentage to your charity.
5. Spread the word. Send along these tips, or ideas of your own when you fill orders for your customers. Post the tips in your place of business.
6. Having a garage sale? Ask people to bring an item of food.
7. Collect cans and sell at recycling plants; proceeds to charity.
8. Sports games--little league, soccer, basketball. Add a notice to the schedule of games. "Please bring an item of food, or warm coats, or whatever is needed in your community".
9. When planning home demonstration parties, add "giving" to your invitations
10. The need is great all year round. Keep food bins in company kitchen areas. Announce "Giving Days" at work.
11. Payroll deductions.
12. Sponsor a community giving competition: North-end Community Center vs. South-end Community Center.
13. Donate services or products to a charitable auction.
14. Though I don't really appreciate receiving address labels for multiple charities, I generally will send a small contribution to the charities of my choice. After all, if I ordered labels, I'd have to pay for them and they are useful.

NOTE: By law, you do not have to pay for unsolicited items.

I am sure you can think of many other creative ways to continue giving to the needy all year round. It's for a good cause and you'll feel great.

I extracted the following precautions from a MetLife website and wanted to pass it along.

Giver Beware

Be on the lookout for some common red flags in solicitations, whether delivered by mail, by telephone or in person.

• Appeals that arrive through the mail should not be disguised as invoices or bills. In addition, don’t be intimidated by mailgrams or envelopes marked “urgent” or “immediate.” Make sure to scrutinize any type of request carefully. If you get a telephone fund–raising pitch or mailing, be certain the charity spells out exactly what it plans to do with your money.
• Unordered items—key rings, stamps, return address labels, pens—that come with an appeal are yours to keep. The law says you’re under no obligation to pay for or return such merchandise.
• Sweepstakes offers should disclose that you don’t have to contribute to be eligible to win prizes.
• If you buy candy, magazines, cards or tickets to a dinner or show, keep in mind that you may not deduct the full amount paid for the item. Generally, you can only deduct the portion that exceeds the item’s fair market value. The organization should be able to tell you how much that is.
• Don’t be pressured into giving money on the spot or allowing someone to come right over to pick up your contribution.

http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,4773,P3540,00.html