You probably already know that your friends and family exert some influence over your habits. For instance, if you hang around with people who tend to dress casually, you're

There are many cases when you may be tempted to write a check to donate funds to your local Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, or American Legion. While these groups will certainly be appreciative of the funds, since they largely depend on public donations to continue doing the work they do, it may be more beneficial if you put away your checkbook, roll up your sleeves, and help support an event the organization is hosting.

Many Hands. Oftentimes, when you see a community group hosting an event, what you can't see is the labor necessary to put that event together. For example, what appears to be a simple pancake breakfast often takes weeks of advance planning. In addition to securing labor for the day of the event, members of the organization must handle shopping for food, securing any entertainment that is offered, and seeking donations from local businesses willing to sponsor the event. The date of the event requires numerous hands -- from cooking and serving to cleanup. Overall, a "simple" successful breakfast can mean more than 200 hours of time invested in the event. You CAN make a difference. By volunteering to help with an event, you lessen the burden placed on the membership of an organization. There's always work for a pair of willing hands, and you’ll be rewarded with the feeling of success knowing you helped make a fund-raising event successful.

Helping the Community. There are service projects that occur every day in your community that you may be completely unaware are taking place. Some examples include removing air conditioners in senior housing units, shopping for someone who is home-bound, cleaning a stretch of local highway, driving a blind community resident to a doctor's appointment, or helping stock shelves in the local food pantry to name a few. What do all these projects have in common? They all need someone to donate not money, but their time to help meet the needs of people in the community.

Spread the Word. Is your local Lions Club or other civic organization hosting a holiday fund-raising event, service project, or food drive? Can't attend? There are other ways to offer your support that don't involve your checkbook. Awareness is vital to the success of these events. You can contribute by designing, printing and distributing fliers. Share information about the event in your company newsletter or simply provide a write up in a bulletin you get on a regular basis; like your church or local synagogue. Keep in mind, you do not need to be an active member or participant in the group to make a difference. Reach out to your community leaders and organizations to find out what events are coming up to support members of the community over the holidays. Ask what assistance might be needed and how you can help. You can keep your checkbook closed and still make a big difference in your community. You might be surprised how much your non-financial contributions are appreciated.