The holiday season is here, with Christmas cookies, festive desserts, and great food. Many people truly believe that this is the most wonderful time of the year, but for those going through hard times, the holidays can be extra challenging.
That’s why this is the perfect time of year to give back to others. Read on as we share some great ways to help people during the holiday season!
Volunteer Your Time
Giving back by volunteering your time is a great way to help others during the holidays. Dealing with the pandemic and its effects has made this year difficult for many, and even more people are suffering from food insecurity and hunger. Starting your volunteering journey at a food bank or soup kitchen can really impact people in need.
Creating holiday care packages for families in your area is another terrific way to help those in need around the holidays. Churches and nonprofits frequently make and deliver holiday care packages, so check with them if you are interested in helping.
Due to the pandemic, many nursing home residents have not seen their families or have visitors for most of the year. This can leave them feeling extra alone during the holiday season. One way to help lift their spirits during this time is to remotely visit nursing home residents via video calls, allowing you to chat with them and even sing Christmas carols. Check with your local nursing homes to see if this is something they offer!
Contribute Food
Donating food to people in your local community is an awesome way to help those in need during the holiday season. Nonperishable foods like canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, and rice are perfect items to contribute because they have a longer shelf life. Local organizations like food banks, churches, and shelters often distribute food around the holidays. Contact these organizations to see if there are any specific food items they need or pick up some extra canned goods on your next grocery trip!
Holiday food drives are also held by schools, employers, and other organizations to collect food items that will provide meals to families that need help. You can really help your local community by donating nonperishable food items to these food drives.
Give Toys
Another great way to give back during the holidays and spread some extra joy is by donating toys. Just think about how happy you could make a local child by donating a toy! Children’s shelters, homeless shelters, and children’s hospitals are wonderful places to give toys to. If you are interested in donating, contact these places to figure out if there are children there who will not get anything for Christmas, making sure to find out the child’s age so that you can get them an appropriate toy.
Additionally, you can go online and learn more about some of the national nonprofits that donate toys to children or give to a local toy drive in your area.
Donate Money
Providing money directly to nonprofits and organizations that work to help others is another amazing way to give back during the holidays. You can donate to local charities serving your community or to national organizations that cover the whole country. To find out how to donate, visit their website, or if the organization is smaller and does not have a website, just give them a call. Here are some nonprofits you can donate to:
You can also donate other items in addition to money that people may need, like blankets and clothing.
Be There For Others
The holiday season is the perfect time to demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas by spreading joy and love to others. Many people cannot see their family this year and will be alone for the holidays because of the pandemic. Reach out to someone who is alone and make a difference just by letting them know you care.
Giving back and helping others brings joy to everyone involved, including you. Merry Christmas from everyone at Boardman Training Center, we hope you have a fantastic holiday!