5 cool ways to give something back in Bangkok

There’s no doubt this is the best time of the year to give something back to society and there are plenty of opportunities for people looking to volunteer in Bangkok –- or just donate some cash. Here are my top picks on how to help out a few organizations that are doing great work but seem to fly under the radar all year long.
1. Give

The Bangkok Refugee Center helps care for displaced people from over 44 nations around the globe. The center is a place where families, often with several children, gather to learn, play and receive medical care. Since the Thai government doesn't recognize refugees, they are always in need of generous donors. Call +66 (0)2 768 356 for more information.

2. Burp

Cuddle up with some little ones who could use some extra lovin'. Meal time is the best time to visit the FFAC (Friends For All Children) Orphanage. The kids -- mostly babies and toddlers -- always need someone to lend a hand with feeding and playtime. FFAC is located in the city center about 15 minutes from Victory Monument (you can also visit them in Chiang Mai and Nong Khai). Map and details at Ffac-foundation.org.

3. Play

At “In Search of Sanuk,” we've started making trips to a small slum community every week. For about an hour we give brief English lessons and more importantly spend time building lasting bonds with the children who attend. This is ideal for those living and working in Bangkok who don't have time to join other activities during the week as you can volunteer on any Saturday. Sign up on the website.

4. Cycle support

Chris Roach is currently on the journey of a lifetime, circumnavigating the globe on his bike to benefit Oxfam. Now that he has finally reached Thailand, jump online and show your support. Donate by visiting his blog, Cyclestrongman.com, and send him a note of encouragement as he makes the long journey from the southern beaches into the beautiful mountains of the north.

5. Procrastinate

Do your last minute Christmas shopping online and save lives. This one isn't in Thailand but it's an incredibly great program. If you’re like me, you’re too young to remember the horrors of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's rule in the late 1980s. But 3,000+ kids there have been diagnosed with congenital heart disease, many of the cases due to his chemical genocide. Believe it or not, buying shoes, scarves, and t-shirts can help this backlog of kids waiting for a chance to receive life-saving surgery. Details at Buyshoessavelives.com.