Money

If you pay income tax, a charity card allows you to give to charities, and the tax that you have paid will be reclaimed, thus making your giving more generous. The only charge is 5% of the amount that you give, which goes towards the work of The Charities Aid Foundation. You give a lump sum to the CAF, of at least £250 as a gift aid payment (though you can give monthly as well). For example, you give £250 and the CAF sends you a form to reclaim the tax. Once this is done, you will have £312.50 to give away (assuming you pay basic rate tax of 25%). Not giving this way wastes money. Check out their 'services to individuals'. Alternatively, you can ring them on 0800 99 33 11.

Blood

Most people have blood to spare, and the time to spare to give it. Hospitals in the UK need 10,000 pints per day, and they aren't getting it, as only about 5% of the population give blood. To find out where you can part with an armful (you'll soon make it up), ring 0345 711 711. It's a local call, and your blood will help save a life.

Your body

Let's face it, you aren't using it when you die, are you? When your body is raised before the final judgement, it will be a new one, so this one won't be needed then. Last year, 300 people died whilst waiting for organ transplants. Along with a donor card and informing your next of kin of your wishes, you can also register with the NHS Organ Donor Register by ringing 0800 555 777. It's free, so why wait?

First Aid

Another way to save a life is by learning First Aid. This is not for everyone, as some people are very squeamish. But, as Michael Buerk puts it, 'If this happened, would you know what to do?'. Find out more from The British Red Cross Comprehensive guide to first aid courses.