Living generously: 5 ways to live charitably in 2025

Is living generously one of your New Year's resolutions? Check out our ideas for making 2025 your year for charity and generosity.

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St. Jude patient Misheel stands in a bright room with confetti falling around her.

St. Jude patient Misheel

 
 

What does living generously mean?

Living generously means creating a life where your actions reflect a giving mindset. What that looks like depends on who you are and what charitable goals you set for yourself. It could mean donating money, volunteering your time or resources, lending an ear to someone in need, supporting others or anything else that demonstrates your desire to help others.

 

Why does generous living matter?

Generous living can create meaning for both the person giving and receiving. When we prioritize generous living we’re prioritizing making the world better.

Because the beginning of a new year is often a time of reflection and setting goals for the year ahead, it can be a great opportunity to consider ways to live charitably and create more meaning in your life by lending help where it's needed.

 
 

5 ideas for living generously in the new year 

Happy New Year! Now that you've decided to prioritize living generously this year, it's time to start thinking about the causes you want to champion and the support you'd like to lend. Read our list of five ways to live charitably in the new year.

 
 

1. Fundraise for your favorite cause

 

St. Jude patient Aria

 
 

Financial generosity takes many forms, including fundraising, which can provide much-needed funds to the cause of your choice, all while engaging a community of supporters. Fundraisers take many forms, from ones you plan yourself to ones organized by others that you participate in.

At St. Jude, we have countless fundraisers for you to be a part of, regardless of your interests, and also have resources available to help you plan your own event.

 
 

2. Donate your time by volunteering

 
 

Volunteering is a great way to give your time to your favorite causes. Additionally, it can be a way to meet people with similar interests and values and to learn new skills.

Start by searching for volunteer opportunities in your area or learning about local causes that need volunteers. 

 
 

3. Set a goal for yourself

 

St. Jude patient Beckett

 
 

One way to start off the new year with a charitable attitude is to set goals for how you'll give in the year ahead. You might set a financial goal for how much you'd like to donate or fundraise, or come up with a number of hours you want to volunteer.

After you've made your resolution, plan out the steps you'll take to reach your goal.

 
 

4. Shop for gifts that give back from the St. Jude Gift Shop

 

St. Jude patient Adriana

 
 

What if you could give to an important cause and a friend or loved one at the same time? All purchases from the St. Jude Gift Shop benefit the patients and families of St. Jude.

Choose from apparel, accessories, home decor and other items that make great gifts for friends and family. Consider the St. Jude Gift Shop as you plan birthdays, special events and holidays throughout the year for a chance to be twice as generous with your gift-giving. 

 
 

5. Participate in community activities

 
 

Many charitable organizations host community events throughout the year to raise money. Participating in a fitness event, attending a charity gala or going to a community fundraising event are all great ways to give to causes you care about and be involved in your local area.

Start by checking to see if your favorite cause hosts events near you or by searching for local charity events online. 

 
 
St. Jude patient Aditya is held by his smiling mom and dad.

St. Jude patient Aditya with his mom and dad

 

Your support helps patients like Aditya

Aditya, who goes by Adi, was on vacation with his family in India in December 2023 when he started to feel sick. Tests led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. 

Adi got immediate care in India before the family returned home to Tennessee, where he began chemotherapy. In January 2024 he was referred to St. Jude in Memphis.

Adi's father said coming to St. Jude lifted much of the burden he'd felt over his son’s diagnosis and treatment. He said St. Jude doctors and staff have been available to answer questions and provide help when needed: “[St. Jude] is hope and a blessing.”

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Make an impact for St. Jude kids

 

St. Jude patient Godwina

 
 

Because of your support, we can provide children with cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us, and be part of our mission to save more lives.

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