Giving Back this Holiday Season

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Giving Back this Holiday Season

Are you on Santa’s nice list?

With all the focus on shopping this time of year, it’s easy to forget how important it is to give back. There are a lot of opportunities and ways to support your community. It’s been an especially tough year for people impacted by this year’s fires, hurricanes or earthquakes. So make it a point this holiday season to take a minute, hour or day to help make the world a better place.

Elitia Barnes

Volunteer Your Time

Gather a group of friends to volunteer at a soup kitchen, animal shelter or outdoor clean up. (Who knows, you may even meet the love of your life - my newly married friend swears by it.)

If you are an artist or professional with a specific skill set, volunteering your time and skill to help a local business owner or student is a great way to have a positive impact.

Donate

Money

There are a lots of people who work hard all year long to help people and places in need. Give them some support by donating monetarily to your favorite charity organization.

Items

I don’t know about you, but I definitely have stuff piling up in my closet that I don’t use or need. Donating clothes (especially warm coats), toys, furniture and electronics is a wonderful way to help those in need and also get rid of that extra clutter.

Remember

When giving to a shelter, it’s a great idea to ask them what they need this season. Many times, non-food items - like toilet paper, feminine hygiene and toiletry (toothpaste, soap, shampoo) products - are on the top of their list. You can also contact your local schools or community centers to see if they need school supplies or books.

Give Blood

As someone who is afraid of needles, I know this can be a hard one to do. But consider this: it takes less than an hour and you are literally helping our doctors save lives. That’s amazing.

Food & Toy Drives

Host a food or toy drive at your work, church or community center. Multiply the good you can do and help spread the giving spirit!

Be a Good Neighbor

Sometimes it’s the little actions that mean the most. Maybe offer to help an elderly neighbor with holiday decorations or errands. Hold open a door for a stranger. Or maybe spread some holiday cheer by giving treats or cards to your local mail person, teachers or baristas.

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