Charitable Giving for the 2010 Holidays

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." - Maya Angelou

If giving of oneself is the ultimate gift, families have more of an opportunity than ever before to spread the wealth. Everyone has a little extra time and money, whether they know it or not. But taking the time out to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, distribute holiday meals to the hungry or bargain hunt for the items on a struggling family's wish list can mean the difference between a merry Christmas and an unforgettable one.

Here are a few tips to help your family make another's holiday season bright.

1. The Greatest Gifts Aren't "Things"
   
   For some, it's the intangibles that mean the most. "Consider giving of your time as well," says Savings.com DealPro Claire Diaz Ortiz of Saving Money Plan. Finding time in our hectic holiday schedules for volunteering can be tough, but the payoff is well worth the effort. "One of the great benefits of the holidays is spending time with family – why not spend some time with your family in a volunteering capacity?" Williams says.
   
   The holidays are the perfect time to reinforce the values we try to teach our children throughout the year. "By encouraging an 'others first' mentality and opening their eyes to the true needs of the community, they are better able to distinguish and learn the difference between 'need' and 'want'," says Savings.com DealPro Jennifer Schmidt of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, whose family spends Christmas delivering meals to refugee families in her area. "How can we not take the time to help?" she says.


2. The Need Is Year-round
   
   Charitable giving reaches its height during the holidays but savvy shoppers can add to their stockpile of donations throughout the year. Bargains are often at their best just after the holidays, when clearance racks are crowded with end of season specials. "Now it is time to clear out that stockpile and bless others with the abundance," says Savings.com DealPro Jennie Sanford of Bargain Blessings.
   
   Seasonal gear like winter coats, sweaters and boots bought after the New Year can be had at a fraction of the price they would fetch during the holidays. "We shop all year long using all the resources available around us, such as instant rebates, online freebies, coupons with sale items and clearance deals, to gather gifts to give at Christmas," says Savings.com DealPro Kelly Hancock of Faithful Provisions. The year-round reinforcement helps "instill a heart of generosity," Hancock adds.


3. Don't Be Shy, Double Dip!
   
   By combining coupons with clearance prices, families can give generously without breaking the bank. "Pairing a coupon with an item on sale is one of the easiest ways to stretch your charitable dollars," says Savings.com DealPro Jessica Killion of This Frugal Life, who managed to donate over 30 boxes of Kellogg's cereal (more than $100 value!) to her local food pantry, without spending a cent.
   
   From non-perishable food items to toiletries, great deals are waiting to be had throughout the year. From traditional saving strategies like clipping coupons from the Sunday newspaper to a more modern approach like following a local blogger who hunts down deals, it's easy to add to your philanthropic arsenal for next to nothing.

The season of giving doesn't have to be an expensive one. For more smart spending tips, follow the 2010 Savings.com DealPros on Twitter at @savings/su10, where they'll be sharing their best finds throughout the holiday season and year 'round.