5.6.2026
In a world that often feels unsteady and divided, choosing to do good is one of the simplest ways to remind ourselves—and each other—that humanity still matters. We aren’t just groups of “us” and “them” separated by politics or beliefs. We’re people trying to live meaningful lives and supporting one another is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen. As a bonus, doing good often brings connection at a time when loneliness is becoming a widespread struggle.
Why I try to be a good human
I try to be a good human because, like me, I know everyone else is out there trying to live their best lives too. Helping others feels like one of the most direct ways to make the world a little better for all of us. And honestly, it feels good. Volunteering, donating, or simply practicing kindness can create opportunities to meet new people, strengthen your sense of purpose, and feel more grounded in your community.
If you’re looking for ways to do good, here are a few simple places to start:
- Volunteering your time
- Donating supplies or money to causes you care about
- Practicing everyday kindness
- Cultivating gratitude and generosity
Why it matters
The Mayo Clinic highlights three major benefits to volunteering:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills
- Nurtures new and existing relationshps
Given the state of the world, many of us could use all three. Volunteering or donating isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about reconnecting with yourself and the people around you.
There are countless nonprofits doing meaningful work, which can make choosing one feel overwhelming. Instead of picking at random, being intentional will make your support feel more personal and rewarding.
How to find a cause you’ll feel proud to support
Fire in your belly
Start with something you’re passionate about. Most of us feel strongly about causes that have touched our lives in some way—maybe a loved one battled breast cancer, or someone close to you is living with Alzheimer’s.
For me, I’m drawn to organizations that support veterans. As a civilian, I feel a responsibility to give back to those who have served our country. A simple “thank you for your service” never feels like enough.
Decide between local and global impact
Think about how far you want your support to reach. Global organizations often need large-scale support to make a broad impact. Local organizations, on the other hand, allow you to see the difference you’re making right in your own community.
There’s no wrong choice here. You might even choose both—supporting global causes while doing good deeds locally.
Validate spend
Not all nonprofits allocate funds the same way. Larger organizations often have higher administrative costs, including executive salaries. Before donating, do a quick search to see what percentage of funds actually support the mission.
For example, less than 4% of St. Jude’s overall funds go to executives, which is impressively low. Tools like ProPublica’s nonprofit explorer can help you dig into the details.
My favorite organizations to support
While I make monetary donations to multiple organizations, I focus my volunteer time on two organizations.
The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF)
TMF supports active military personnel, veterans, and Gold Star families while also empowering young people to use their personal strengths to make a positive impact in the world. Some of the activities I’ve participated in include:
- Cleaning up a park in Worcester, MA for Earth Day
- Supporting the Honor Project by placing commemorative tokens on the graves of military personnel for Memorial Day and Veterans Day
- Helping students prepare for school with back‑to‑school character days
- Planning and participating in the annual 9/11 Heroes Run
The Habitat for Humanity
I also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, especially on home builds. Their mission to provide safe, affordable housing resonates with me. I love learning new skills, working alongside others, and knowing that a deserving family will eventually call that house a home.
In Closing
If you’ve ever wondered whether your efforts make a difference, let this be your reminder: they do. Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, every kind act offered freely contributes to a world that desperately needs more compassion and connection. Find the causes that ignite something in you and support them with intention. When each of us commits to doing even a little good, the collective impact becomes extraordinary.
Do you volunteer or do good deeds? If so, share your story!
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