In this day of a tough economic times, donating and giving can still be done. Now more than ever, charities and nonprofits need assistance. And while donations may be down, the need is still there. If you have the inclination to give — and it does not necessarily have to be financial — know that donating can be done as simply as ever. Donate this year without ever setting foot outside your home or cubicle.

• You can help others by helping yourself to new clothes, accessories, books, music and more at GoodShop.com. When you shop at any of your favorite retailers (Banana Republic, Bloomingdales, iTunes, Amazon, Sephora) through GoodShop, a portion of your purchase will be donated to the charity of your choice.

• At Second Harvest’s Virtual Food Drive you can shop virtually for real food items that will be donated to those in need. They have a variety of grocery items – from cereal to peanut butter to holiday meals – available for purchase.

• Through UNICEF’s Inspired Gifts program, you can buy everything from a bicycle to a polio vaccine to therapeutic milk for needy children around the world. Purchase directly from the site and you can dedicate the gift directly to a friend. UNICEF will forward your friend the card and send your gift to where it’s needed most.

You can even make a difference just by using the internet. Whenever you conduct your Google searches from Search Kindly, you are automatically donating to the charities that you select. Just think, you’re actually doing some good by simply surfing the web! All advertising revenue this site generates is donated to its users’ selected causes. It’s that easy! So go out (or stay in there) and give a helping hand.

[Photos from cmbjn843 and HotsauceJane via Flickr]