5 surefire ways to ensure your charitable efforts matter

I’m sure you’ve read all the horror story articles about charities that may not be spending donations in the most savory ways.  Or, seen the many charities that are here today and gone tomorrow.  So, during this time of year, how can you be charitable, feel good about yourself and know that your efforts and/or money won’t go in vein?  We’ve compiled a short list of ideas on how to solve this problem.

1.   Volunteering:  The very foundation of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” can be established by volunteering.  There is something educational and gratifying in volunteering our time to help those less fortunate than us.

2.   Personal Touches:  For those that have a special skill (as in baking-cooking-crafts), this portion is for you.  Create something that comes from the heart and has meaning.  Not only will you feel complete for giving back, but they will appreciate the human touch to it even more.

3.   Acts of Service:  Have you ever bought food for a random stranger, gave a blanket and shoes to the homeless, or entertain someone with the joy of conversation?  If you’re like most people, there is definite room for improvement in this area.  Maybe this holiday season is the time that will have take that leap.

4.   Movable/Shared Feast:  This category covers everything from bringing food banks completed meals and desserts to opening up your home for others to come and eat with your family.  This truly is the definition of selfless acts of kindness.

5.   Meaningful Deliveries:  Though this seems to overlap the “Personal Touches” category, there are some unique elements that  even separate this form of charity more.  For starters, whereas both categories emphasize creation from the heart, “Meaningful Deliveries” refers to unique reveals.  For example, imagine delivering a cooked gourmet dinner to the area where the homeless person is staying.  Teared up yet? Or, meeting a less fortunate stranger and taking them to lunch.  No strings attached, no ulterior motives.  Just human beings being caring to one another.

These are just the tip of the iceberg to all the countless ways that everyone can give back this year.  Remember to be generous, it doesn’t take a wealth of resources to make a significant impact in the community.  As the BLVD Hotels strive to be a neighbor of choice, you should do more too.  Don’t be charitable because others are looking.  Be charitable because you were moved to do it, and it’s the right things to do.

Live Beyond Expectations™

About BLVD Hotels

In 2011, BLVD Hotels opened its first location with BLVD Hotel & Spa in Studio City, CA.  Located on historic Ventura Blvd., the hotel has the intimate appeal of a boutique hotel with California-cool characteristics.  Its prime location in Studio City makes attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Los Angeles Metro Station walking distance away, and close proximity to all business centers in the Southland.  In the following years, BLVD Hotels boutique family opened two more location, BLVD Hotel & Suites (2012) in Hollywood, CA which is located near Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd and BLVD Hotel (2013) in Costa Mesa, CA which is located near John Wayne Airport, South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds and Event Center, Disneyland and the beautiful beaches of Orange County.

BLVD Hotels properties are trendy up-scale boutique hotels with current Southern California locations in Studio City, Hollywood and Costa Mesa. The allure and feel flow through the staff, guestrooms and social commons. With a welcoming and familiar vibe mingling throughout, the hotels pride itself on making every guest stay memorable and one of a kind. It’s one of the reasons the BLVD Hotels exudes Live Beyond Expectation™ experiences.