In December, we all like to take stock of what we’re grateful for, spend time with family, and celebrate the holiday season. One of the best ways to do all of these things at once is by giving back as a family. Especially after a tough year like this one, it’s important for everyone who can to support their communities.
For many people, the holiday season is the best time of the year, but for others it’s a challenging time — and this year is no exception. Instead of focusing on holiday decorations, extravagant presents, and massive family gatherings, this December should be about helping out the people in our communities who aren’t as fortunate.
Here are some of the best ways to give back this holiday season:
Shovel Snow for the Neighbors
If snow is a thing during the holidays, adults and kids can spread some holiday spirit and give back by providing help with clearing the snow. This is an active way to make the day better for the neighbors or other people around the community. We know the chore can be physically daunting for some, but being able to take that off the neighbor’s long to-do list will be appreciated.
Participate in Holiday Walks & Races
In many cities across the country, organizations band together to host holiday 5Ks, walks, and other races. This is a great opportunity for families to spend (socially distanced) time together outside while getting exercise and supporting community charities and organizations. Typically, these walks and races have a small fee, which pays for the event and supports the organization!
Participate in Small Acts of Kindness
To be able to give back during the holidays, it doesn’t have to be a large and extravagant thing. Small acts can go a long way, and these micro-volunteer opportunities are all over. Leave little envelopes with thank-you cards to the hospital staff, draw messages of kindness in sidewalk chalk, take coffee to your neighbors.
Donate a Holiday Meal to a Family in Need
For many of us, the holidays are a time when we all gather around the table to enjoy a big meal. Unfortunately, those big holiday meals we all love can get really expensive. This year, if you have the means, donate a meal to a family in need. Check out local food pantries/food banks to find out if there are meal donation programs in your area.
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
During the cold winter months, soup kitchens are busier than ever. They provide hot meals to individuals and families who can’t afford them. Many soup kitchens have transitioned to “to-go” meals so they people can better social distance, but they still need help cooking, plating, and handing out meals.
Write Cards to Seniors
The holidays can be a really lonely time for people who don’t have family around. One way to teach our kids to give back is to encourage them to write holiday cards to the residents at a local long-term care home. Many of them have been isolated over the past year and having a little something can help boost their spirits.
Put Self-Care Packages Together for Youth Shelters
It can be easy to forget that not everyone has a home or a family. Some youth live in shelters or group homes because it’s necessary or safer. And the holidays can be really hard for them. This year, to give back, put together care packages with things no one thinks about to donate like deodorant, shampoo, menstrual products, and toothpaste. It might not seem exciting to us, but it can make a world of difference to someone who goes without.
Deliver Groceries for Free
For many elderly and immunocompromised people, going to the grocery store can be a dangerous activity. If you’re healthy, you can provide grocery delivery services to people in your neighborhood free of charge. Check with neighbors and friends to find out if they know anyone in need of grocery deliveries this winter. In some communities, there are even organizations that you can sign up with to do this kind of volunteering!
Pay Off Layaway Balances
A nonprofit organization called Pay Away the Layaway helps people pay layaway balances for families in need. By donating to help pay off balances for gifts for kids covers everything from backpacks, coats, clothes, books, games, and toys. It’s a wonderful way to share some kindness with families who struggle, especially during the holidays.
Knit for the Hospital
Making little baby hats, or hats to fit kids or adults, can help those who have to stay in hospital for the holidays. That time spent knitting or crocheting can make a big difference in someone’s comfort level at the hospital. Be sure to check in with the local hospital or infusion center to see if there are any particular sizes that would be most helpful during this time of year.
Donate to an Animal Shelter
Although there are fewer animals in shelters than in previous years, the animals that are there still need lots of support. Animal shelters will always gladly accept monetary donations, but there are also a lot of products they need that you might not realize — like used towels and blankets, newspapers, and more.
Bring Nonperishable Food Items to a Local Food Bank
Lots of people stock up on food items before the holidays (like canned green beans, cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing mix, and cream of mushroom soup) and then find that they have tons of unopened cans and boxes. Instead of letting those boxes and cans go to waste, donate them to a local food bank or food pantry.
Organize a Toy Drive
The reality is that many kids and their families have to spend the holidays in the hospital. No one wants to be there, and we can help make the holiday magic happen by organizing a toy drive for the local children’s hospital. These gifts don’t only help make the holidays for the kids and their siblings, but they can be distributed throughout the year for birthdays and other special events.
Donate to the Local Blood Bank
It’s easy to forget what a lifegiving gift it can be to donate blood. This year, many labs report they are in great need of donations. While this isn’t something the kids can participate in until they’re old enough, we can model the importance and take them along with us to see the process. It’s a real tangible way to give.
