This semester flew by and the holiday season is already nearing. Just the thought of celebrating Thanksgiving and eating all kinds of delicacies brings excitement to my belly. The excitement continues as Christmas is fast approaching after Thanksgiving. During this time of year, there is just so much joy in the air. We think about eating good food and receiving presents, but is this what the holiday season is really about? Shouldn’t this time of year be a time of giving instead of receiving? Here are some ways in which you can be part of the true holiday spirit!
1. Operation Christmas Child
Why not pick up some extra gifts as you’re doing your present shopping! Operation Christmas Child is a project founded by the Samaritan’s Purse Foundation, and basically, the goal of this project is to deliver shoebox gifts to children around the world who are less fortunate. Participating in this project is really simple. All you have to do is pack a shoebox with little goodies and take it to one of the collection sites between November 13–20 and viola, it’s done! On its website, it states that toothpaste and candies aren’t allowed in the shoebox, and that there is a nine dollar fee that goes towards the shipping and the ministry. If you feel like shoebox gifts sound like the perfect way for you to give, then be sure to check out their website.
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
2. Angel Tree
On Christmas Day, there are usually presents under the Christmas tree, but what if there were none? How would you feel? The mission of angel tree is to give Christmas presents to children whose parent(s) are incarcerated, so that these kids will still feel that they are loved and cared about. Participating in this project would be a bit more complicated because you would have to find a church that is organizing this. You can also choose to gather up some of your friends and register as a group.
https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/register/
3. Heifer International
Where do you keep your loose change? Are they just bothersome because you hardly use them? Why not try collecting them in a jar? You would be surprised by how much money your loose change actually adds up to. With that money, why not donate it to an organization that buys livestock for people who are in need?
https://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/animals-nutrition/index.html
By Helping others, you too will be able to feel a sense of joy that is discovered only when you give!
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