5 ideas for good deeds around the holidays

The holiday season is a time for exchanging gifts and spending time with family. But it’s also a time to think about those less fortunate than ourselves. So we’ve put together a good deed list to inspire you to spread cheer during the holidays.

Don’t think about good deeds as a sacrifice or a chore. Research shows that helping others is good for you. The NHS in the UK notes that it improves mental wellbeing by:

• Creating positive feelings and a sense of reward.
• Giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth.
• Helping you connect with other people.

Good deeds aren’t just for the holidays. You can practice many of the ideas on our good deed list all year.

Good deed list #1: Give the gift of charity

Unwanted gifts waste millions of euros every year. Many end up in the landfill unused. Why not give the gift of charity instead?

Most charities will let you donate to others. For example, at Barnados you can buy gifts for kids in need. From winter woollies to a packed school bag. You’ll get a card about the donation that you can send to whoever you want. Much better than another celebrity autobiography or pair of novelty socks.

And if you receive an unwanted gift, consider donating it to a charity shop. This is much more beneficial than hiding it away in a cupboard. However, note that most charity shops can’t accept electrical goods. Which brings us to our next idea.

Good deed list #2: Trade in an old phone

Don’t leave that old iPhone in a drawer — trade it in and donate the proceeds. This is also good for the planet, as trade-in phones are recycled and repurposed. That’s two good deeds in one.

Vodafone Ireland has a great trade-in scheme for existing customers. Or you can simply sell old phones through a website like Fonebank.

Note that most charities no longer accept donations of old smartphones. But with a little bit of effort, you can still use that old gadget to do a good deed.

Good deed list #3: Donate phone credit

You can also use your current smartphone for good deeds. If you’re on a prepaid plan, don’t let expiring phone credit go to waste. You can donate it to a charity of your choice through Like Charity. Pick your favoured cause on the website and text the code to 50030. The amount will be taken from your phone credit.

This is also a convenient way to do a good deed even if your credit isn’t expiring. You can top up your PAYG phone at Recharge.com and give the whole amount to charity. Or you could give credit to a friend in need. Check out our blog article to find out how you can top up for someone else. All you need to know is their phone number.

Good deed list #4: Help an elderly neighbour

You don’t have to spend money to do good a deed. A little bit of time and consideration can make a big difference. The pandemic left many elderly people isolated and worried. Caremark has several tips for helping older neighbours, including:

• Start a conversation. A friendly word can do a world of good. It also lets you check in and make sure everything is ok.
• Lend a helping hand. Elderly neighbours might need help with shopping or picking up a prescription. If they have a dog, they may struggle to give it the exercise it needs. A little bit of help goes a long way.

Good deed list #5: Give blood

Hospitals in Ireland are in desperate need of blood in the wake of the pandemic. Only 3% of the eligible population gives blood. However, one-in-four will need a transfusion during their lives. Giving blood is a simple way to do a good deed and make a difference. Go to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service website to find your nearest clinic.