Final answer:
Giving canned goods to a food bank and assisting the elderly with chores are best defined as acts of charity. These actions are individual, voluntary, and direct efforts to support those in need, and while they exhibit volunteerism, they do not necessarily equate to the broader definitions of social responsibility or more substantial efforts of philanthropy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions described, such as giving canned goods to the food bank, checking on the elderly, and helping them with their trash and yard work, can be associated with several concepts of civic engagement and prosocial behavior; however, they most closely align with the definition of acts of charity.
Acts of charity are individual acts of kindness and giving that are often done to provide direct relief to those in need. This is different from social responsibility, which refers to a broader sense of duty or an obligation individuals or organizations have to perform in a way that benefits society at large.
While these actions can also be described as forms of volunteerism, where individuals donate their time and effort without the expectation of financial compensation, it does not quite fit the scale or intent of philanthropy, which typically involves a more organized and substantial effort to promote human welfare, often through the donation of large sums of money or resources.
Altruism is also relevant here, as it denotes a selfless concern for the well-being of others, which can be a motivation for acts of charity. These actions can help government fulfill its duties by providing community support where government resources or initiatives may be limited, especially in areas such as the care for the vulnerable people in society, like the elderly.