Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is here, and it is human nature to seek a brighter future, especially after the last two years. Making obtainable resolutions for yourself is an effective way to improve your overall wellness. Here are our top five New Year’s resolutions and ways to put them into action.

1: Clear Out Clutter/Organize

Many people turned to online shopping during the pandemic, and all of your unused items and clothes may be taking up space you don’t have. Studies show that having a clean home and decluttering your space is good for your mental health as it reduces anxiety. Hearts donation bins make it easy to donate new or gently used items, with more than 400 distinctive red bins throughout the Western New York region. Find the bin closest to you and check our list of acceptable items. Hearts also accepts donations at the Hearts Thrift Shop at 890 Tonawanda Street.

2: Volunteer

Volunteering doesn’t just help your community, it also helps yourself. It’s been proven that volunteering can improve one’s mood and overall mental health. There are many ways you can give your time and skills at Hearts, including working at the Hearts Thrift Shop, handing out meals with the Mobile Soup Kitchen, stocking pantries at the Hearts Harvest Food Pantry, and more! Explore all of our volunteer opportunities and apply as an individual or group.

3: Save Money

The state of New York has a unique solution to recycling that increases the prices of certain common goods; the Bottle Bill. For each beverage container purchased in New York, consumers also pay a 5-cent deposit. When you return bottles and cans to a redemption center, you will be returned your deposit. A can and bottle recycling center has been included in our new Food Pantry. This small but efficient space gives the community a convenient place to return their cans and bottles. We will also accept cans and bottles as a donation and process them to benefit our outreach programs, including the food pantry operation.

You can also save on the cost of quality clothing, accessories, shoes, and household items by shopping at the Hearts Thrift Shop. Quality clothes and accessories are just the beginning – find personal care items, toiletries, and jewelry for every occasion. There are also daily deals and a constant rotation of goods, so be sure to check in often!

4: Eat Healthy

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in society’s eating habits, moving towards a diet that is more focused on mental wellness, immunity boosts, and foods that are plant-based. As you make a conscious choice to shop for more nutritious items, keep in mind that, although most people want to eat healthy, many cannot afford to. The Hearts Harvest Food Pantry allows those who qualify for assistance to get the healthy food they deserve. Assisted by an assistant shopper, our food pantry allows shoppers to freely select the items suited to their family’s specific needs. Help families in need eat healthy by donating nutritious items to our food pantry.

5: Re-Establish Connections With Family

It’s easy to wonder why those experiencing homelessness don’t go home to their families. As our employees and long-time volunteers can tell you, the reason so many people are homeless or in tough situations is that they have no family or friends to help support them. Many have never had a family, loved ones have died, or they may not even be welcome among their relatives. Some have simply lost connection with family members and friends and no longer have the ability to reconnect. Re-establishing relationships with family and friends, especially after the last two years we have had, can help prevent someone from becoming homeless in the first place. 

If you are curious about more ways to help Hearts and those in your community, consider signing up for our monthly newsletter below for the latest updates, urgent needs, and volunteer opportunities.