Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Giving Back During the Season Known for Gift Giving
0 Comments
Visit a friend, take them Christmas shopping
For some the holiday season is a lonely time. Empty hours weigh heavily on those living with poverty and illness. Financial worries suck all the joy from this season. Do you know someone who could use some help or some company? Visit them at Christmas. Drive them to the stores, help them do their shopping. If you can do it, add to their Christmas budget and make a happier season possible for them. Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
Help a local service group giving out Christmas hampers and toys
In my town several groups give out hampers of food a week before Christmas. They provide a turkey or a ham, vegetables, and other foods to prepare a complete Christmas dinner and more. Some groups also make toys and clothes for children available to parents who are unable to provide these things for their families. Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
Adopt a family for the holidays
Do you know a family that is struggling financially? Do you know one new to the area with no kin of their own nearby? Is there a family who has a child with special needs and who would appreciate extra support and compassion at this time of year? The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and enthusiasm. Think about buying toys and clothing for the children. Perhaps the parents have done without for too long a time while struggling to meet the needs of their little ones. Inviting them for a Christmas dinner or brunch may be the best meal they've had in awhile. It may be all they have to eat on that day. Don't want to cook? Giving the gift of groceries will touch the hearts, and skinny pocketbooks and help these parents provide for their families in a special season. Erwin Wodick/PhotoSpin
Knit hats for newborns in the hospitals
Babiess are born all year round, of course, and knitted wee hats are always in demand. But if you're looking for something extra that you can do for others for the holiday season, and know how to wield a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook this could be just the thing for you. Knitting tiny hats for newborns will remind you about what's truly important. Angela Waye/PhotoSpin
Shop locally, support your community
"Shop local" is a new buzz phrase, and it's one that makes a lot of sense. Buying food that's local can mean it's fresher and maybe more economical because they don't have to be shipped around the world. Knowing who you are buying from can foster a sense of trust and security. You'll contribute to the health of your community, and the wellbeing of families and individuals who live in it with you. MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin
Sing carols at a nursing home
It helps if you can carry a tune, but it's not essential. Many nursing homes, hospitals and organizations for the poor and vulnerable don't usually have an overabundance of volunteers. If you're available and enthusiastic, you've met their requirements. Sing some carols at a nursing home or hospital. Bring cookies and gifts to the residents and patients. Spend some time with those who may be lonely. Your company and kindness will make a difference. Andres Rodriguez/PhotoSpin
Give coats, scarves, hats and mitts to those in need
Ever had to get through a winter with inadequate clothing? If you have gently worn coats that can be donated, you'll prevent this fate for someone else, and warm your own heart at the same time. Do you have hats, mitts and scarves nobody wears anymore? Pay them forward for someone who's battling the cold weather. Do you like to knit or crochet? Let your needles and hooks fly as you create warmth for others. PS Productions/PhotoSpin
Donate to a cause or charity close to your heart
Sitting at your desk and writing a check is no small thing. The results of this action can be far-reaching for people in need. Go to the local food bank with money or food supplies. Put money in one of the kettles on the streets or in stores. Make a donation to a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or other organization with a heart for the poor, sick and lonely. NAN/PhotoSpin
Give to a homeless shelter
There are people who are homeless throughout the year. If you give at Christmas, your gifts may have a lasting effect even after the holidays are past. Needs are constant and enormous in a homeless shelter. And during the holiday season, the needs only increase. Clothes and blankets, food, personal care products like soap and toothbrushes, toys, kitchen and bathroom supplies are always in demand. During the holidays, add the type of items you would like to receive for yourself or your children -- toys, gift cards, sports equipment and holiday treats can all help to make the spirit bright. Not sure what to give? Contact your local shelter, the people who work there will be happy to help you decide what to donate. Alena Ozerova/PhotoSpin
Help the local food bank
Bring in food that you would be happy to receive if you were the needy one. Make it healthy, wholesome ... and throw in a few sweet treats. Poor people have pets too, so don't hesitate to bring in a bag of dog food or cat food. If you provide something for people with allergies or food sensitivities the recipients will be grateful. Lack of money and an abundance of poor health go together all too often. You can make a difference in a significant way for someone who needs it. Tags: Christmas, giving, donate, food bank, homeless, coats, food Svetlana Foote/PhotoSpin
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!