During the holiday season, many people focus on spending time with family and loved ones, decorating, shopping for christmas gifts and listening to cheery holiday music. Although we plan to give back to our communities and serve those less fortunate than ourselves during the holidays, sometimes we simply forget or put it off; never getting around to these selfless tasks. Giving back this season can be a very fun and unforgettable experience if you give in a way that works for you. There are five ways you can give back this holiday season that will be both rewarding and enjoyable.
Donate Clothes with Friends
Most of us have clothes that we look over as we are picking out our daily outfits The clothes we look over are the clothes we don’t wear anymore for whatever reason. Sometimes it seems we have more clothes we don’t wear than those we do. We probably have a few items we haven’t worn and don’t plan to. Instead of allowing all of these clothes to take up unnecessary space, why not give these clothes away to the less fortunate? You and your friends should grab some snacks, turn on some fun music and help each other make smart choices about which clothes stay and which ones go. Next, you and your girls should pack up the clothes you don’t need, drive to a homeless shelter or thrift store, and drop the clothes off. You can do it by yourself, but it will be so much more fun and memorable with friends.
History Buff meets Retirement/Elderly Home
Volunteering at an elderly home is a history buff’s dream come true. If you love history, this type of giving back will be very exciting. Ofcourse older people tend to know about the happenings of the past. Be prepared to hear about what Mr. Joe was doing during WWll and how it affected him. Listen with burning ears as Mrs. Mcintyre tells you about her romance with a hippie during the 1960’s. Besides benefiting from a fun history lesson, the elder people will be grateful for your company, and maybe Mr. Joe will remind you of your Grandpa. Many times, elder people are looked over and it’s seldom that anyone comes and visits them. Sometimes their own family won’t visit. You will have such a warm feeling inside after visiting the elderly home, and it will warm the older people’s hearts as well. No hard work involved with this type of volunteering, just good conversation mixed with caring.
DIY Bracelets with girls in a Group Home
Go to Wal-Mart and buy a bracelet kit. This could be a bit pricey depending on your budget. If so, split the costs with friends that are interested in participating. Find a group-home and call first to set up a time to make bracelets with these less-fortunate girls. The group home will more than likely be thrilled to have you and your friends come and spend time with the girls. This idea is perfect if you have a special place in your heart for girls. But don’t limit yourself, because there may be girls participating that are well over 12. Just have fun with these girls and don’t pity them. By the time you leave, you will be more than happy to come back and bond with these girls.
Feed the Homeless at a local church or Organization
This type of giving back is the most common but it’s truly awesome. You get to work as a team setting everything up, organizing, serving the food and cleaning. Also, bonding and making new acquaintances with other volunteers is fun and beneficial. Once the homeless people come in, you get to not only serve them, but also talk with them and hear their story. Feeding the Homeless is a favorite because it’s multiple acts of kindness all wrapped up in one event.
Join a Community Service Organization at your College
This is the easiest way to give back because if you join an organization, they will be sure to have a lot of different events that will include giving back this season. This will also be a way to bond with your peers and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Giving back this holiday season will be great! There are so many ways to give back this season, but the most important thing to remember when deciding to give back is to find an activity or volunteer opportunity that fits your personality and interests.