As the holidays come around, I can’t help but feel a call to give back to the community. As someone who loves nothing more than to give gifts, I always find myself spending an overwhelming amount of money on gifts for my family and friends. I mean, by the time I’m done shopping for my immediate family, I’m practically broke. I think a lot of college students find themselves in this position, and feel like they can’t give back because it’s just not financially possible after they’ve done their own holiday shopping. But, there are so many ways to give back that dont’t include breaking the bank – here are some I’ll be doing this winter!
Volunteering
This may be the most obvious way to give back while not spending any money (and probably the most rewarding) So many places look for volunteers around this time of year – housing shelters, soup kitches, churches, and senior centers. Choosing to volunteer at these places allow you to give back, get involved in the community, and learn from the very people you are serving. So many people, including me, have been deeply impacted by someone they met volunteering – so much so that their lives have been changed. It’s a great opportunity, and one that I encourage everyone try at least once!
Clothing Donations
Packing up and heading home for the holidays, I typically find myself rooting through millions of things I don’t wear. Donating your clothes is another great way to give back without spending any money. Especially during the cold winter months, so many places are taking clothing donations. You can donate clothes to schools and churches, or to stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Whatever and wherever you choose to donate, the clothes you no longer wear will become the go-to clothing for someone in your community. Bonus points for donating clothes because it reduces textile waste!
Book Drives
Books make a fantastic gift, and donating books is so so easy. Personally, I would much rather read a book that I can hold, as opposed to listening to one or using a Kindle. Books are expensive, and I rarely ever find myself reading books more than once or twice (unless it’s a classic of course) Donating books you have already read is a great opportunity to free up some space and give others the opportunity to enjoy a good book!
Card Making
A handmade card can mean all the difference to someone during the holiday season, and it takes nothing but a little creativity to make. Senior centers, elderly living facilities, and hospitals all typically look for handmade holiday cards throughout December. Making these cards is an espeically great option for the artists reading, or simpy anyone who enjoys a little crafting!
Be Kind!
The easiest way to have an impact on your community this holiday season is to just be kind. Hold the door, smile at those walking by you, and say please and thank you. Small acts of kindness can make people’s day, and it takes no effort at all. Next time you find yourself in a busy mall or stuck in holiday traffic, take a minute to be breathe, reflect on what you have, and radiate that energy to those around you!