Ahh, the retail holidays. The Black Friday stampedes and the mad quest to find the perfect gift for everyone you hold near and dear to your heart. It’s usually a swirling storm of snow, red ribbons, and Jingle Bells playing in the mall for what seems like the thirty billionth time. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming and distracting. It can cloud your judgment and make you lose focus of the real reason behind this season. No matter what denomination you do or do not stem from, I think we can all agree on the fact that the holiday season is a time to not only be grateful but to also think of others, not just ourselves or the people we see every day. What about the people we DON’T see every day? What about the people who can’t exactly afford gifts or huge holiday feasts? Or even just an extra blanket? We all know that there is more to this time of year than giving and receiving. It’s also about spreading hope and warmth and kindness. And even though we should strive to do these things year round, I feel like it’s extra important to spread positive vibes to those who may struggle through the holidays.
But of course, once we come to the realization that we want to extend the holiday cheer further than our own households and social circles, you start to question where to even begin. Have no fear, though. I have compiled a list of quality charities and organizations you can donate either your time or money to- or both.
1. Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is a program designed to give small children a holiday experience to remember and is organized by the U.S. Marine Corps. You can begin donating unused and unwrapped toys as early as October and continue on until the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you are unable to provide a toy, they will accept monetary donations. In addition to their toy drive, they also run a literacy foundation and provide books for disadvantaged children. You can find your local Toys for Tots drive online on their website. You can also find additional donation information on their website as well. If you or your family is in need of any type of donation, you can request them through the request page on their website.
2. Food or Blanket Drive
Most local communities hold food or blanket drives around the holiday season so that no family has to go cold or hungry. Most will accept non-perishable canned goods and a new or lightly used blanket. Sometimes local high schools run their own drive, so check in with your school or local schools to see if they are holding one yu can participate in. Other ideal places to check are with your city hall or the local police and fire departments. If you are unable to find any information on a holiday food or blanket drive, you can organize your own! Create The Good offers helpful and insightful information on their website.
3. A Coat Drive
Coat drives are a great and effective way to give back to the less fortunate in your communities! Every child deserves a warm coat that fits properly and lasts them the entire winter season. Brenda Warner (wife of a former NFL player) actually founded her own coat drive called Winter Warmup for their family-ran First Things First foundation when she noticed how many children were out and about without proper coats. Now they hold one in their community every year! You can check within your community for information about a coat drive or start your own by following the steps provided by the One Warm Coat website.
4. Cards For Hospitalized Children
One of easiest, most simple ways to go the extra mile this holiday season is to make a card for a child who is spending their holidays in a hospital bed. Getting a cheerful, hopeful, or even a funny card can lift their spirits and is a relatively inexpensive way to give back.
From Cards For Hospitalized Children: “Over 100,000 kids in hospitals in all 50 states have received cards from us. We believe this is just the beginning. We hope you will get involved and help us brighten the days of as many hospitalized kids as possible.”
So why don’t you plan a day with some friends, sip on some hot chocolate and munch on sugar cookies while making a cheerful card for a child who will appreciate it more than you can imagine? Maybe you’ll even enjoy it so much that you’ll begin to send cards just to say hello!
5. Volunteering at a Local Food Bank or Homeless Shelter
It’s no secret that homeless shelters and food banks are the busiest during the winter months and holiday season. Most food banks will host some type of festive feast to feed those who are in need of community support, holiday spirit and a hot meal. Volunteering at a food bank or shelter is one of the easiest and non-costly ways to spread cheer, give back, and be a part of something special. Feeding America makes it easy to locate the nearest food bank, to sign up as a volunteer, and to find information about donations.
The holiday season can certainly be a bit taxing-both emotionally financially. Sometimes it’s nice to go the extra mile and remind yourself that the season is about more than shiny wrapping paper and red ribbons. Aside from being extremely rewarding and a great opportunity for self-growth, lending a helping hand can help get you into the right mindset for 2017 and help spark a real change in someone’s life. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make positive change this holiday season!
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