Even though it’s the time when many make their New Year’s resolutions, giving back should and can happen year-round.

Style did the dirty work and found 10 easy, inexpensive (or free!) ways you can make a difference in 2012!

1. DONATE. Bring clothes you never wear to Goodwill, Salvation Army or your local church, books you’ve already read to a local library or school, and canned foods collecting dust to a shelter.
2. FEED THE HUNGRY. Local food banks are always looking for volunteers. In Roseville, email [email protected]; in Folsom, email [email protected]; in El Dorado County, email [email protected].
3. BE DEDICATED TO EDUCATION. Ask a local teacher what supplies his or her class needs most and donate them.
4. GIVE BLOOD. For the location nearest you, visit bloodsource.org.
5. GO BALD. Raise money to fight childhood cancer by shaving your head at the St. Baldrick’s Celebration on March 10 at Westfield Galleria. For details, visit childcancer.org/chapters/roseville/events.
6. VISIT A SENIOR. More than 50 percent of nursing home residents never have company; vow to visit one during National Nursing Home Week: May 13-19.
7. VOLUNTEER. For opportunities in your area, visit handsonsacto.org and type in your zip code.
8. GIVE YOUR SPARE CHANGE. When you’re in the checkout at the grocery store, start putting change into the charity boxes.
9. ADOPT A FURRY FRIEND. Stop by an animal shelter and take home a new best friend.
10. GO GREEN. Contribute to a better environment by recycling your used electronics! For a drop-off location near you, visit allgreenrecycling.com.