While the concept that giving to others can make you feel good about yourself is not revolutionary, there are several more subtle ways that giving to a cause can benefit your psychological, spiritual and emotional well-being. We’ve all heard the saying, “giving is receiving”.  Turns out, it carries merit.

It’s so easy to accumulate stuff. By donating unused items, it’s a convenient way to clean your home and make space for more important items. Not to mention you’re helping  a non-profit at the same time.

1. Cleaning Out The Clutter

It’s so easy to accumulate stuff. By donating unused items, it’s a convenient way to clean your home and make space for more important items. Not to mention you’re helping a non-profit at the same time.

2. You’ll Feel Rich

Giving to others increases your capacity for happiness – this in turns make you feel grateful and, well, richer.

3. Setting An Example

If you have children, donating to a charity shows them you care about others and want to make the world a better place… grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other children in your life can also be influenced by your generosity.

4. Good For Your Health

Besides feeling good about yourself for doing something for others, giving back is also good for your physical health. Doing for others may stimulate the release of endorphins, which has been linked to improve nervous and immune system functions. Research has shown that the good feelings you experience when helping others may be just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet.

5. Giving Back To Your Community

Doing something for the community is a strong motivator. Everyone, rich or poor, takes from society, and donating is one way to show a sense of appreciation.

6. You’re Doing A World Of Good

Although you are just one person, when your efforts are combined with others, the impact is significant.

7. A Sense Of Purpose

Helping people in need can enlarge your world and transform you into a more important part of the community.

8. It’s Inexpensive

It is hardly expensive to offer a small gift, some cans of food, or other items that might be requested. Many food drives merely ask for three items-that’s about $3.00 or less out of your wallet.

9. You’re Recycling

Recycling is good for the planet and, in return, for you and generation to come.

10. It’s Easy

Hey, I get it, time and money are valuable. That being said, it’s pretty easy to donate to charities these days with drop boxes nearly everywhere.