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Having Fun While Helping Others

Many of us have a group or organization that is close to our heart. Either it is a non-profit group that has local chapter meetings or a nationwide campaign to raise awareness. These groups can always use more volunteer help, and most of them also rely on the generous donations of supporters. While your chosen cause may differ from your neighbors, we can all agree that supporting causes makes the world a better place.

Many non-profit groups have gotten creative with their fundraising efforts. Even local and nationwide businesses have partnered with those groups that they care about to help in any way that they can. So instead of buying yet another roll of wrapping paper that you don’t need, consider these fun ways to help out charitable groups this September:

Collect Pop Tabs

Cans of soda gathered to collect the pop tabs

One of the easiest ways to help both the community and get the kids involved is to collect pop tabs. The local Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay invites everyone to collect pop tabs to help cover the costs of running the charity that assists families of hospitalized children.

Individuals, families, and community groups can all band together to save the pop tabs from used aluminum cans. The charity then collects the tabs which recycle them for cash. Another option is to collect the cans at home and then ask the recycler to issue a check directly for the Ronald McDonald House. Organize a day to gather cans from other community members or even go on a walk to pick up discarded cans in your neighborhood. Learn more about this program and how anyone can help local families with a sick child.

Bowl for A Cause

Image showing parent teaching child how to bowl

Joining friends and family for a game of bowling is fun, but it can also be a great fundraiser as well! All Pin Chaser locations offer Selfless in September promotions as a way to celebrate their 60th year in business.

On two select weekends during September, Pin Chasers will donate $5 for every two-hour package of bowling purchased. Big Brothers Big Sisters will be the featured charity from September 13th-15th which helps connect children with older mentors in the community. On the following weekend, September 20th-22nd, Apple A Day is the featured charity that helps provide iPads to local pediatric cancer patients.

Bowling league nights will also get in on the action with a 50/50 raffle for the Bowlers to Veterans Link which helps offer bowling options to disabled veterans. Guests can also gift a game of bowling to those who serve the community, like teachers or firemen, and receive a free game bowling for themselves on your next visit in September.

Give from the Heart with Art

Woman paints at local Wine & Canvas location in Tampa

Natural and not-so-natural artists regularly gather for a night of painting fun to help local non-profits at the local Wine & Canvas location in Tampa. Many first-time guests don’t know if they can paint on canvas yet are surprised when they come out with a gorgeous creation that is all their own. A night of painting is fun to do by yourself, with a spouse, or even with a workgroup. Wine & Canvas choose one local non-profit fundraising night per month and donates part of the proceeds to the charity. Learn more about their class for September to give back to your local community and have fun painting!

Local School Fundraisers

September is the beginning of a new school year, which means that you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to supporting your local school. Not only do high school classes raise money for special senior trips or events, but after school programs often need extra funding as well. Visit any school function or game to find plenty of school groups who can directly benefit from a donation. If you aren’t sure where to donate, consider calling the school office or asking a teacher friend about how you can help out.

There are plenty of ways to help support the local charities in your neighborhood and those that help out nationwide. Many fundraisers enjoy the involvement of the community and want you to enjoy your donation to the cause. Check out all of these great fundraising opportunities this month to help out those in need and also have quite a bit of fun while doing it!