It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, for some people. Although the holidays can be fun and exciting, there are many people who aren’t fortunate enough to be able to spend the holidays with their family or who may not have the funds to celebrate. Here are a few ways to give back and spread the holiday cheer as best as we can!
1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
Lending an extra hand or two at a soup kitchen is a great way to give back during the holidays! Since the weather outside is frightful (see what I did there), many people without homes or places to eat navigate towards shelters for a warm meal. It truly is a great experience and you get to meet so many different people.
2. Donate money
Give back by donating any extra change you may have to your charity of choice! Donate any loose change you’ve collected to a food bank or round up a few cents to a checkout charity donation at a retail store. Whether it’s five dollars or five cents, that small donation makes all the difference!
3. Donate toiletries
Although donating change is a great way to help out, some of the most important things to donate during the holiday season are toiletries! Sometimes we often forget that shelters may lack enough soap, shampoo, toilet paper, and feminine products for the homeless. Also, think about donating clothes such as sweaters and scarves that you don’t wear anymore. They would be of great use during this time of year!
4. Help out family and friends
Friends and family need help too! Offer to help your mom with buying groceries or volunteer to help shovel your grandma’s driveway! Offer to drive your best friend to the store or help cook a meal with your aunt. The opportunities are endless and you would undoubtedly make them smile! Remember: the holidays are all about giving back and spending time with loved ones.
5. Be kind to the Earth
This should be an all year round act of kindness, but we can sometimes be selfish when the weather gets cold outside. Whenever you’re parked in your car, try to remember to turn off your engine that way you not only prevent unnecessary pollution, but you are also saving gas! Also remember to either recycle or reuse extra wrapping paper when wrapping gifts for the holidays!