Americans donated nearly $500 billion this past year, with the holidays approaching, the personal finance website WalletHub released its latest report on the Most Caring Cities in America.
In order to determine the most caring cities in America, WalletHub compared the 100 most populated cities across three key dimensions: caring for the community, caring for the vulnerable and caring in the workforce. The data set ranges from the share of sheltered homeless persons to the volunteering hours per capita to the share of income donated to charity.
Madison, WI is the most caring city in America this year, closely followed by Boston, Virginia Beach, New York City and San Diego. Plano, Texas, however, ranked within the top 20, taking the 17th spot out of 100 cities.
Each of the most caring cities has its unique strengths. While Boston is the most energy-efficient city in the country, Plano was celebrated in particular for its low child poverty rate — the third lowest in the country.
“Being a caring city requires a partnership between the city’s government and its residents,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. “The government can implement high-level measures like sheltering the homeless, reducing crime and protecting workers. Residents show that they care for their neighbors by donating time and money, being environmentally friendly and taking jobs that help others.”
There are many different ways that you can show you care about your neighbors and your city as a whole. Here are a few:
Donate money to causes you care about: Contributing financially to local causes, charities, or nonprofit organizations helps address community needs. Whether supporting education, healthcare, or social initiatives, your donations can make a positive impact on the well-being of your city and its residents.
Volunteer your time: Invest your time in volunteering for local organizations, community events, or charitable projects.
Vote in local elections: Exercise your civic duty by actively participating in local elections. Voting helps shape the policies and leadership that impact your city. By engaging in the democratic process, you contribute to the development of a responsive and accountable local government.
Practice environmentally-friendly behavior: Adopt eco-conscious habits in your daily life. Reduce waste, recycle, conserve energy, and support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability. By practicing environmentally friendly behavior, you contribute to the overall health and cleanliness of your city.
