(NAPSA)—Intoday’s uncertain economy, it can be a challenge to find ways to “give back” to the community. Even with the best of intentions, the roller-coaster financial news of the day can makecharitable giving seem like an extravagance. Thereare still ways, however, to makea difference: * One way to support charitable causes—without spending any money directly—is through volunteering. It can be something as simple as helping out at the library, volunteering at a soup kitchen or spending a few hours a week at an animalshelter. The only cost is the time spent volunteering—and the benefit is a stronger community and a difference made in eachlife touched. The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, available at www.bbb.org, provides information on recognized charities. Sometimes, simply doing business with companies that embrace a cultureof “giving back” is a great way to be sure those companies thrive—and thus continue their philanthropic ways. Subaru of America, for example, has recently donated eight of the company’s allwheel drive Forester models to the American Red Cross. Subaru is also helping to bridge the gap between charitable needs and One easy way to give back is to mpanies that give to donations this year with an innovative “Share the Love” campaign. During the campaign, anyone who buys or leases a new Subaru vehicle canselect oneoffive charities to receive a $250 donation from the car company. Moreinformation on the program can be found at www.subaru.com. * Thereis anold saying,“charity begins at home,” and what better way to honor that sentiment than by involving children in charitable giving at an early age? Set aside sometimeto collect outgrown clothing and toys that are nolonger used and bring them to a shelter or a secondhand store in which the profits support charity. Make a game of it—and teach the beautyof giving—by requesting that children donate one old toy for each new toy received as a holiday gift.
