What a year this has been! We are finally nearing the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year! Read on to find out 10 ways to give back this holiday season. These ideas are perfect for the whole family to spend time together while giving back this holiday season.
1. Give Gifts That Give Back
When shopping for gifts this year, shop with companies who give back. There are many places that donate a percentage of sales to special charities and ministries. You can check out a great list of gifts that give back here. You’ll feel great about getting all of your shopping done while also helping others.
2. Stockings for Our Troops
Many times those who serve are alone during the holidays. You can show your gratitude for what they are sacrificing by showing that you care with a stocking. Visit this site to sign up and review the list of items and get started on a stocking. This is a great way for kids to help too, soldiers love getting personally drawn photos, etcetera.
3. Volunteer at a Local Soup Kitchen
Soup kitchens always need volunteers, especially during the holidays. This is something that the whole family can enjoy doing together while helping others and making a difference. To find a soup kitchen near you, visit this site. And if you don’t have time to donate, many soup kitchens may need help dropping off or preparing food. You don’t always have to stay and serve, there are many options available for volunteering.
4. Visit Nursing Homes
This is something that is extremely easy to do and doesn’t cost a thing. But it will surely make someone’s day, maybe even their year. Visit a local nursing home and visit with residents who don’t have family that visit them. With covid restrictions, you may not be able to visit some nursing homes, however, you can contact them ahead of time. If you cannot visit in person you can still make cards or something special for them to let them know that they are not alone.
5. Angel Tree
This is and has been one of my favorite ways to give back for many years. I always enjoyed picking a name off the tree and shopping for a child in need, knowing that this small gesture has the ability to make such a big impact on the child. Visit their website to search by zip code for Angel Tree locations nearby. You can also shop their online directory as well.
6. Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse is a great organization that offers many ways to help those in need. You can now visit online to send a shoebox full of necessities to a child in need. Many of these children have never received a gift or experienced Christmas, you can change their life with a shoebox gift.
7. Toys for Tots
This is my husband’s favorite program to give back as he is a USMC veteran himself. Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps program that has been giving gifts to children in need since 1947. Visit their website to find local toy drop-offs and events, and ways to donate online.
8. Adopt a Pet
If your family is ready for a new pet, consider adopting from your local shelter to give an animal in need a forever home. Many animals that go into shelters never get to experience the life of a forever home. If you’re ready for a new furry pal, adoption will change both of your lives for the better.
9. Cards for Sick Children
With St. Jude, you can send a virtual or physical card to sick children. This is something that is so simple but it is sure to cheer up a sick child and is one of many ways to give back this holiday season.
10. Donate to Make-A-Wish
Help to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can give kids the strength to fight against and even overcome a critical illness. A wish forever transforms the lives of children, their families, and entire communities. There are so many ways to give back this holiday season.
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