How many times have we thought, "if I had the money, X is the charity I'd donate to"? However spare cash isn't necessary when it comes to doing good deeds. In fact, there are many ways of helping good causes that are rarely thought of, but are just as noble.
Next time you get a hair cut, save your hair and donate it. The Little Princess Trust makes wigs from real hair and provides them free of charge to children who've had chemotherapy.
Foster a puppy for the Guide Dogs charity for the blind. You don't need to give the pup special training, it just needs a nurturing home for its first year and to be taught simple commands like sitting and walking to heel. The charity covers costs for food and equipment.
Donate your platelets. These are parts of your blood cells that heal wounds and stop bleeding. People who need platelets are usually suffering from life-threatening illnesses like leukaemia, or need bone marrow transplants. The process takes longer than giving blood, but it's totally risk-free.
Cut out the coupons in magazines and newspapers to get free stuff. Even if you're not bothered about getting a tub of margarine or a bathroom air freshener, there will always somewhere that needs them, such as homeless hostels.
How else can we be charitable without it affecting our wallets? Leave us a comment on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
