The holiday season is wonderful for some but can be very lonely for others. With the extra time that we are given during the holidays, there’s no better way to spend your time than by helping others. It really is very simple and the smallest thing can make the biggest difference in someone’s holiday. Nothing is better than feeling a part of a community during the holiday season.
- Donate
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This is probably one of the easiest ways to help. Most of us have canned foods or other extra resources lying around that we could donate to someone else who would gladly use them. Local food banks are always looking for non-perishable items during the holidays. Go dig through your pantry and find whatever you can to drop off at your local food bank. This will clear up space in your pantry and ultimately feed someone in need.
- Adopt a Family
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Many schools will hold “adopt a family” programs during the holidays. This could be by buying gifts for the family or purchasing food for them to enjoy. If it’s gifts you are giving, most families look for cold winter essentials such as socks, hats, and mittens. Other than that, most programs will give you a list of gifts that the family needs. This is a great option if you want to donate directly to a family.
- Donate your time
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This is an excellent option if you have time during the holiday season. Wherever you want to volunteer, most cities have soup kitchens or food banks to volunteer your time. For my local soup kitchen, I filled out a form online telling them who I was bringing and what times I could volunteer. After that, you’re just responsible for showing up with a smile on your face.
- Visit People
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The holidays can be a very lonely time for people in care facilities. You can brighten their day by paying a visit around the holidays. All that’s necessary is yourself, but if you’d like, you can bring along some food or a gift for them to enjoy. Many folks want some company and it’s a fantastic way to help them feel less lonely during these times. Make sure to call the facility ahead of time to set up the best time to visit.
- Make Homemade Cards
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This is a very simple idea, but it is a sure way to put a smile on someone’s face. Gather some family or friends and make homemade holiday cards to drop off at a local nursing home, a veterans facility, or a hospital. These places will gladly take them and pass them around to their members.
