Giving back this holiday season is a great way to lift your spirits and those of people who may be less fortunate than you. It’s important to give back to others and to your community this holiday season as even the smallest gesture may fill someone’s heart and make their day or holiday season a tad better. You don’t have to be rich to give back; in most cases giving just your time can make a difference. However, if you need some ideas on how to give back during this holiday season here are six great ways to do so.
1. Serve a Holiday Meal
Serving a holiday meal can be done in your home, at a food pantry, or any other venue. Whether you are serving to the less fortunate or to a group of friends, serving a meal to others is a great way to show your holiday spirit and motivate others to do the same.
2. Donate Your Pocket Change
If you are the type of person that saves your pocket change in a big glass jar or plastic baggies then you might not have any idea just how much money you have saved. Take your saved up pocket change to a bank and exchange it for cash that you can then donate to a local homeless shelter, food pantry, or charity of your choice.
3. Empty Out Your Closet
The holidays can bring about colder weather in many parts of the world and a lot of people could use some extra warm clothing to get them through the winter. Clean out your closet and donate any jackets, warm clothing, and blankets that you might not need any longer. Many charities set up neighborhood drop-boxes for people to donate warm clothing and jackets.
4. Donate Food Items
When you go to the supermarket to buy food for the holidays buy some extra cans of soup and other nonperishable food items. It’s no secret that many people go hungry throughout the holidays and count on food donations to get a warm meal. Food products can also be donated at neighborhood drop-boxes or through certain charitable organizations.
5. Donate Toys and Games
Sadly many less fortunate children don’t get to experience a Christmas morning with a tree surrounded by gifts. Donating gifts such as toys and games to charitable organizations can put a smile on a child’s face and leave you filled with the giving spirit.
6. Be a Good Samaritan & Neighbor
Spend some time giving back to your community and neighbors by helping them out with even the simplest of tasks. Whether it’s helping an elderly person cross a snowy street, or shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk, these small gestures don’t go unnoticed and are a good way to show others that you care about them and their wellbeing.
The holiday season is all about giving back to others and improving your community. Giving back doesn’t entail breaking the bank or going above and beyond. On the contrary, even just spending a few minutes going out of your way to make someone else’s life a bit easier will go a long way this holiday season.
