When we think of the holidays, we often think about giving and receiving presents from our friends, neighbors and family. But I think that this year we should strive to expand that giving to the communities we live in and the countries in which we reside. Here are just a few little ways you can give back this holiday season and hopefully make some kind of impact on people who could use a little extra love this time of year.
Volunteering is a way to give back to the community, even if you don’t have money. It just takes some of your time to make a difference in the world. A few great charities that you can volunteer for include Salvation Army, FoodLink, Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society, as well as any charities local to your area. Depending on the place you volunteer, you may directly interact with the people you’re helping and this is definitely a worthwhile experience. Once you see one child’s face light up from a new toy, you’ll be hooked and want to come back every year.
A lot of different charities are in need this time of year, whether it be to provide toys for children on Christmas or warm clothes for homeless veterans; there are numerous charities that you can donate items to. Be sure to check out Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and local food pantries. When you go to any of these charities to drop off your gently used clothing or toys, be sure to ask who will be affected by your donation. You’ll leave the drop off location feeling a million times better knowing that your can of corn is going into a Christmas meal box for a family in your area. It’s about helping locally whenever possible, because these people need your help the most.
We’ve all heard that ringing bell outside the department store where a volunteer is standing in the cold, smiling and saying “Merry Christmas.” Well, don’t ignore them! These people are donating their time to help those in need. If you’re too busy this holiday season to ring the bell – that’s totally understandable, but you can still take a moment to spare a few cents to drop into their kettle. However, if you’re not a person who carries cash, there are several ways to donate online. Try donating to a cause you care about, whether it’s helping veterans, cancer patients, children, or the homeless. Just to be safe, make sure the charity is completely legit before handing over credit card information.
If you’re passionate about any sport or art form, or you enjoy teaching, sharing your knowledge with a group of children for a few afternoons is a fun way to give back. You’ll help out both the children and their parents, and you’ll get to learn from them too!
There are always ways to give back. Something as little as shopping local is a great way to give back, but you can also donate time, items, or money and any charity will be grateful. I hope this list helped inspire you to give back this season!
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