During this recession people are trying to find new ways to put extra cash into their pockets.
From bake sales to lemonade stands, there is always a safe way to earn the money you need.
Antonio Blackwell, 23, works a full-time job but admits that every now and then it is hard to pay the bills.
“The check will take care of the bills but I need extra cash to put gas in the tank,” said Blackwell.
In order to put gas in the tank, Blackwell donates plasma at Plasma Care. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that consists of water, salts, enzymes, antibodies and other proteins. With plasma donations medicines are made to help fight illnesses and diseases.
Blackwell said that it only takes about a hour to give his donation and he gets paid about $30 each time he goes.
Blackwell said when he goes to donate plasma it is usually a lot of people in there doing the same.
“Times are hard right now for everyone,” said Blackwell. “Everyone is just trying to get some money in their pockets.”
According to Plasma Care anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 65 years-old, weighs at least 110 pounds and in good health can give plasma. For first timers you must show a proof of identification, social security number and proof of residence.
Blackwell is not the only person who has to hustle for an extra dollar or two. Rubarb Boyd, 77, has been recycling aluminum cans for years.
“It doesn’t make since to throw them away so I keep them and sell them,” Boyd said.
For each pound of aluminum cans Boyd recycles, she can get a few extra dollars. Boyd has been saving cans for so long it has became a habit.
“I remember back in the day you would get 35 cents per pound,” said Boyd. “I know more people are starting to do it now because a little spare change always helps.”
With Blackwell and Boyd’s decisions to earn extra money, it not only benefits them but it also benefits those around them.
Blackwell’s plasma can help save someone’s life and Boyd’s recycling habit helps keep the environment clean.
There are other ways to earn some extra money during this hard economy. If you have extra clothes, appliances, furniture or anything that never gets used around the house, have a yard or garage sell.
If you’re handy doing work outside the house, clean gutters, mow lawns or haul people’s trash. Those who are a little young can babysit for a family member or tutor a classmate. You can also recycle anything from old cell phones to used batteries.
These are just a few effective ways to keep active and hustle for that spare change you might need to put gas in the car or to help pay a bill. No matter what you decide, know there is always some way to make things work.
For information on donating plasma, call (317) 890-8997 or visit www.plasmacare.com.
Ways to earn
spare change
Babysitting
Car wash
Cut grass
Clinical Studies
Clean gutters
Dog walk
Deliver phonebooks
Deliver newspapers
Donate plasma
Haul trash
Garage/Yard sale
Rake leaves
Recycle
Tutor
Work part time at a restaurant or clothing store
