We’ve now entered the time of year where everyone is thinking about what gifts they want to give to their loved ones. However, have you considered giving back to those you don’t know? Maybe a stranger? Maybe a family? Or even an entire community in need? The holiday season isn’t always bright and cheery for everyone. It is important to recognize that, and give to others if you have the means to. Make someone else’s holiday merry and bright! There are many different things you can do to give back during the holidays, but here are a few ideas to help you get started!
1.Adopt a Family
Through organizations like The Salvation Army, you can create a magical Christmas for a family in need. Through their “Adopt a Family” program, you will be assigned a family and given information about what they are in need of/wishing for. Then, you simply do the holiday shopping for them! The Salvation Army will then pass along the gifts to the parents for you. This is such a wonderful opportunity to create a special Christmas morning for an entire family that may not have one otherwise.
2.Donate to Your Local Food Bank
Provide a holiday dinner for a family in need! Go shopping for items & then bring them to your local food pantry. Food insecurity is always an ongoing issue that needs attention all year round, but the holidays serve as a good reminder to give back and help feed your community. Not everyone can afford to prepare a special holiday meal, but you can help provide them with one! Next time you go to your local grocery store, grab a few of the following items:
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- Canned Green Beans, Yams, Cream of Mushroom, Carrots, & Corn
- Cranberry Sauce
- Boxed Stuffing Mix
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Gravy
- Corn Bread Mix
- Juice
- Broths/Stocks
- A Non-Perishable Dessert (cake mix, bread mix, etc.)
- Holiday Cups, Napkins, Plates, & Decor
Once you’ve completed your shopping, go ahead and drop off the goods at any local food pantry, church, or nonprofit that accepts food donations!
3.Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Most soup kitchens rely heavily on volunteers to make serving meals for those in need possible. Contact your local soup kitchen to find out how you can best help, whether that be through cooking, serving, or cleaning. Your time and work are so valuable to these places that operate primarily through the help of volunteers. If you are able to, try offering 1-2 hours of help at a local soup kitchen for the months of November & December!
4.Host a Winter Coat Drive
Do you have coats that have been sitting in storage for years? Or have your kids already outgrown their winter jackets from the year before? If so, you should consider donating those coats/jackets to those who need them. Spread the word to your friends, family, and coworkers and collect all the used coats you can. Then, donate them to a local shelter or charity that could use them the most!
5.Donate Online
Stretched for time this holiday season, but still want to give back? Think of a cause that is important to you and do some research. Which nonprofits align with the changes you wish to see in the world? Where do you want to make an impact? You can also consider diversifying your gift by splitting the amount you plan to donate and putting it towards multiple different nonprofits. Where/how much you choose to donate is completely up to you. Your gift will make an impact!
Need some ideas? Check out these articles highlighting great charities to donate to:
https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/money/g4775/best-and-worst-charities-donations/
We hope that you found this post helpful! Here at MST, we started our Market Street Talent Gives Back program because we share a commitment to the betterment of our community. The two nonprofits that we have been supporting throughout this past year are Gather and The Clipper Foundation. If you haven’t heard of these amazing organizations, we truly recommend that you check them out and consider giving to them this holiday season.
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