Be there! For the loved ones you can't live without, and for the causes you are passionate about.

Have you ever had a BIG idea about completing an incredible feat, like running a marathon or juggling for 12 hours straight, or creating something awe-inspiring like a life-sized jellybean castle? Or, perhaps planning a fantastic summer residential basketball camp for kids with diabetes (ah hem!)? But maybe it feels a little funny to do it "just to do it." Instead, you could put your idea to work for a wonderful charity of your choice by having friends join you or sponsors support you. Dress up in animal costumes in a short obstacle race for your favorite shelter, or see how many apples can you bob in one day. Basically you can throw the word "thon" on the end of just about anything and create a festive, challenging or hilarious event for your school, church, team, neighborhood, friends and family to participate in that also lends a hand to those in need.

There are dozens of websites that can help generate ideas for Philanthropic Fun: * Fundraiser Insight  * Do It Yourself Fundraisers * 24 Fundraisers

Or, if you're not feeling quite as inventive yourself, there are hundreds of opportunities in just about every community to join in on someone else's big and brilliant idea. From this month's Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, to the CASA for Children Bowl-a-thon to the Heart Breaker Half there is inevitably something out there to make your generous heart go pitter patter. 

Go "small"! 

Not everyone feels comfortable going all out Chris Dudley-style in order to give back. Frankly, helping others doesn't actually have to be a big deal. Ironically, often it's the little things that can make the biggest difference in the lives of those around you, or even in the life of a stranger.

Another Dudley, Drew Dudley, in his TEDTalk on "Everyday Leadership" reminds us that we have countless opportunities to profoundly and positively impact other people every day. We might just not be aware of these opportunities or "lollipop moments." In this absolutely well-worth-watching video, Dudley defines a lollipop moment as, "A moment where someone said something, or did something, that fundamentally made your life better." Perhaps a stranger says something that reframes a devastating setback and gets you back on your feet; or they not only find your lost wallet but deliver it to you personally across 50 miles. Maybe they save your life by pulling you out of the crosswalk from the path of a red light runner.

Other times, it's more simple.

Think about the security guard everyone counts on for a cheery greeting and a corny joke; the Starbucks barista who not only recognizes you everyday, but puts extra caramel in your latte and serves it in your favorite cup; or your mother-in-law who always, always makes your favorite pie.

Research shows that even just wearing a smile, a genuine smile, as you go about your day makes everyone around you, including you, feel better.  

Go "NOW"!

There's no need to wait. Even though it is conveniently the time of year when romance reigns and Cupid calls, the fact is that any time and any day is good for giving.