We have always been taught and on many levels known that the world is a better place when we focus our time and energy on giving back to others. But as news of global struggles and conflicts reaches us through our phones every hour of every day, our desire to help only grows. And while it may seem overwhelming at times to think that our individual efforts can make a difference, know this: they can. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ways, both large and small, that we can all give back on vacation.
Although countless graduation speeches may have told us, not just any person can change the world. Best of all, we don’t hold ourselves accountable for major policy changes. I have always believed that it is my choices, daily behavior, and the support of organizations I believe in that create cultural change. It’s also the subtle, sometimes invisible, decisions we make every day that can positively impact the lives of others. This is true throughout the year, but there’s no denying a warm and fuzzy feeling comes when you have time to give back during holidays.
There’s nothing I find more energizing than sitting around a table (or dropping thoughts into a Slack channel) and sharing ideas. Talk to anyone, and most people will immediately name a few charities they’re excited to contribute to as the holiday season approaches. We asked our editors to share their favorite organizations, and it turns out that everyone on our team has different traditions of giving over the holidays. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to give back, plus more ideas for spreading kindness and cheer. We hope that this list can inspire people to keep giving during the upcoming holidays and New Year. And do share your favorite ways to give back with us in the comments section. Having fun.
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Help Serve Free Meals
“Every December, when school is closed, my mother, brother, sister and younger brother get up early to volunteer. Churchpastoral program for the homeless. We will serve breakfast to those in need, and sing Christmas carols. Even though it’s a small act that only lasts a few hours, it’s one of my favorite traditions that fills me with the Christmas Spirit.” – Caroline Pinkston
Warm someone up with a homemade blanket, hat, or scarf
“One of my favorite hobbies is knitting, and what could be more enjoyable than spending a cozy weekend curled up with a project. Over the past few years, I’ve begun donating cold-weather clothing (like hats, scarves, and gloves) to local shelters in my area. I have a lot of friends who are also into the art of yarn, and we will meet a few Saturdays during the season to knit and crochet together. It’s a great way to create community and give warmth to those in need. If you are looking for an organization to donate to, Project Linus hand out homemade blankets for children. Knots of Love also provide people undergoing chemotherapy with woolen hats and handmade blankets. “- Isabelle Eyman
Operation Christmas Child
“Growing up, my family and I always spent a holiday evening filling up shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. These boxes are sent to children in need (many in orphanages!) in over 100 countries and it’s special to be able to choose toys and clothes for a child of one age. certain items and spend some time thinking about what they would be like to be happy to receive. We would meet friends at Target and load our cars, then go home and throw a party full of hot cocoa and Christmas music. “- Camille style
Organize a holiday snack
Gather your friends, family and neighbors to go grocery shopping! Contact a nearby food bank in advance to see what they need most. Promote through email, text or apps like Nextdoor and encourage people to donate non-perishable food. Donating to a food stall is a relatively inexpensive way to make a difference in your community. You can learn more about organizing a holiday food party through Feeding America website.
Buy someone dinner
Random, unexpected acts of kindness are often the best. If you are driving across the street, tell the clerk at the window that you want to pay for the car behind. Or, assuming you are sitting at a restaurant, could you please ask your waiter if you could serve a family meal at the table next to you. Know that this applies to coffee as well — it can bring a surprised smile on the face of the next person in line when a stranger pays their cappuccino.
Donate warm clothes
With many areas experiencing colder temperatures this time of year, donating new or lightly used winter clothing can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Collect a coat or sweater from your closet, or if you can, buy a few new pieces. Research local drives in your area or connect to an organization like A warm shirt for more donation opportunities. You can even learn more about how to keep a driving jacket on your own!
Heifer International
“It is a tradition in the Smith family to donate to Heifer International every year during the holidays. Heifer is a really neat, forward-thinking organization that helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. You can give a family a sheep, a pig, a flock of chicks, even a water buffalo! I love taking family photos with small animals and know that my donation is actually helping those in need. ” – Jenn Rose Smith
Get a family
“Growing up, my family would ‘adopt’ a family through my church every year. The church will provide anonymous descriptions of each family member and make lists of gifts and items that children and caregivers want and need. My sisters and I love to pick out gifts for kids (the kids are usually our age), and as we get older, it makes even more sense to know that we can do a little to make things better. Make other people’s holiday wishes come true. Local organizations like churches, schools, and nonprofits often host Adopt-a-Family Drives and are a great resource if you want to give back this way.” – Isabelle Eymone
Angel Tree Salvation Army
“Every year my family and I give gifts to children from Angel Tree Salvation Army. The tree was filled with cards describing a child in need and what they wanted for Christmas. We always have a lot of fun picking out the perfect gift that will put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning. ” – Carmen Collins
Volunteer your time at a homeless shelter
While shelters can always use additional volunteer support throughout the year, they are busier than ever during the holiday season. When the weather gets colder, people need a place to warm up and have a hot meal. Depending on your schedule, you could spend an entire day volunteering. However, if you only have a few hours to spare, it can make a difference to take some time in the morning, afternoon or evening to go to the kitchen, prepare meals, help organize, or clean. If you feel comfortable, you can also look for opportunities to volunteer as a family. To connect with a local shelter in your area, visit Directory of the National Coalition for the Homeless’.
This post was originally published on December 20, 2019 and has since been updated.
