It’s the season of giving. When we do our holiday shopping this year, it’s important that we keep those who are less fortunate in mind. We have the power to make a difference every single day. The holidays are about connection, love, and spreading joy. This applies to our loved ones and each other. There are so many ways you can help. You can choose to do some decluttering and donate your lightly used items. You can donate your time to a local charity. Or you could donate money and see if your employer will match it. Here are 6 ways you can give back this holiday season.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
howard zinn.
1) Food Bank Give your local food bank a hand this season. You can choose to donate food by picking up a few extra items while you shop or you can donate online. Most food banks could also use some extra hands. If you are available, contact your local food bank to inquire about volunteering.
2) Shelters Many individuals and families are in need of a warm meal and everyday essentials. Check your local shelter’s website for a list of needs. Some in demand items usually include diapers, baby wipes, winter wear, transit passes, shampoo, conditioner, and more.
3) Animal Shelters Our furry friends are also in need of assistance. My local animal shelter has an Amazon Wishlist along with a list of “high need items.” Some of these items include towels, fleece blankets, flat sheets, wet and dry food, and more.
4) Toy Drive Make this holiday special for less fortunate children in your community. Donate a brand new toy, teen gift, or a cash donation to your local toy drive. Each year I participate in CTV’s Toy Mountain. If you live in Canada, I highly recommend it. Visit the link to see which location to drop off your toys. Some items I like to include are crayons, markers, colouring books, toys, stickers, and more. The website also provides a list of ideas if you’re stuck!
5) Donate Used Items If you’ve been doing some decluttering lately, donate your lightly used items to your local shelter. Visit your city’s website to see a list of local charities that could benefit from your clothing, outerwear, accessories, appliances, and more. If you need some inspiration on decluttering, visit my post here!
6) Donate Your Time If you’ve got some extra time this holiday season, consider volunteering. Most places need the extra help especially with the pandemic. Whether you wish to donate your time at a women’s shelter, animal shelter, or at a community centre, visit their website to find out how you can do so safely.
I hope this post inspires you to give back to a charity of your choice. If you already have, I challenge you to get a friend or a family member involved. Remember, we rise by lifting each other up! How are you giving back this holiday season? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reminding me to give to the food bank. I’m so busy this time of the year! I forgot about giving back.
~Michelle
https://michellescrazybusylife.net
That’s wonderful that you’ll be giving to the food bank! Thank you Michelle!
These are wonderful ways to give back & it’s always good to donate items you don’t use anymore. I’ll have to see if they do a toy drive in Denmark.
Thank you Karalee! I hope you can find a toy drive this Christmas.
This is such a wonderful post to see when so many are trying to sell stuff instead. We’ll be donating to our food bank this Christmas xx
Thank you Alice! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post. That sounds wonderful, I’ll be doing the same!
These are some really great suggestions to help give back at this time of year. As much as it can be fun and exciting for others it can be a time that is really difficult. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
I agree Lauren, it’s so important to think of others! Thank you for reading!
Great post! The Toy Drive is always a great way to give back to children this time of year.
Absolutely! Thanks for reading Isabelle!
Some great ways to give back this Christmas, there’s no excuse not to give back a little this Christmas! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
We should always lend a hand if possible! Thank you for reading Lucy!
Thank you for sharing the importance of giving. It’s wonderful.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
It’s my pleasure. Thank you for reading Regine!
Great post! It’s so important to think of others and especially at this time of year.
Thank you for reading Sarah!
Such an excellent reminder and collection of ideas. Tip 2) is especially necessary for this time of year. with cold climates. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thank you for reading Caleb!
These are good suggestions. I try to donate regularly and know how important this support is.
Yes, giving back is so important. Thanks for reading Jamie!
I always try to donate used items, especially after the Christmas period when I have presents I don’t need or when places need new clothes more. Thank you for sharing this helpful post x
That’s a wonderful idea! Thanks for reading Eleanor!
Some great ideas. I’m big into giving to charity but this time of year I always feel like I need to do more. I just feel like if you have the means to help – not just financially but your time or your awareness – then why wouldn’t you. There’s a few charities I really want to focus on this year so as soon as December rolls around, I’ll be looking into those more!
I agree, it never hurts to lend a hand if you can. Thanks for reading Jenny!