Tis' the Season

The holiday season is here and it’s time to give back! There are so many ways you and

your family can give back together. Whether it’s as simple as baking cookies or more

involved like going shopping for a child in need, everything you do will be greatly

appreciated. We have made a list here with some ideas of how you can give back in

your communities this holiday season!

1. Bake cookies or casseroles. Cooking with kids isn’t the most mess-free option, but

this is a really easy way to involve your kids in giving back with their time. As a family,

pass out homemade cookies to your local fire department or police station, or take

some frozen casseroles to an elderly neighbor or single mom.

2. Pack stockings for homeless people. Buy some cheap stockings, and have kids

pick out practical and fun items to stuff in them. Some ideas include granola bars, water

bottles, toothpaste and warm gloves or socks. Keep the stockings in your car, and hand

them out to homeless people you encounter on your daily commutes.

3. Clean out the toy box. The holidays are a great time for kids to donate some of the

games, clothing or other things they own – and clean out the clutter while you’re at it.

Even preschoolers can pick a few lightly-used toys to donate to kids who don’t have

any. As an alternative, take kids shopping for new toys they’d love, but will donate to a

local shelter or nonprofit.

4. Visit a nursing home. As a family – or with a group of your kids’ friends – visit a local

nursing home. Call ahead to schedule your visit. Take cards and decorations to brighten

up nursing home rooms, or sing a few carols for the residents.

5. Adopt a family. Many local organizations and religious groups can help you sponsor

a family in your area to shop for over the holiday season. Use some of your family’s

designated holiday money to buy or make gifts for another family in need.

6. Donate to a food bank. Even little kids enjoy picking out food items at the grocery

store. Take your kids on a special shopping trip to pick up their favorite nonperishable

goods for a local ministry or food bank. They’re always in need of extra food around the

holidays.

7. Take lunches to people who work over the holidays. Police stations, fire stations,

hospitals and even retail stores are full of busy workers on holidays. Make some

delicious sack lunches to take to the workers in your area who don’t get a break over

the holidays.

8.Participate in Holiday Food Drives

During the holidays, many businesses encourage employees to bring in unopened non-

perishable canned and boxed foods that can be donated to local food banks. This is a

fantastic way to help your community, and it requires very little additional time. You'll

only have to set aside a half hour or so just before Christmas to transport the items.

9.Build a House

Organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, offer businesses the opportunity to participate

in construction projects that benefit disadvantaged residents. The best thing about this

type of volunteerism is that many of the builds are done on weekends.

The holiday season is a time to be thankful for what you have and appreciate all the

good things in life. Spread your joy this holiday season with others in your community

who are less fortunate. Keep in mind that if you do not have the time during the busy

holiday season most of these people need the help 365 days a year, so make it a New

Year’s resolution to get more involved.

Sources:http://www.inc.com/john-rampton/10-ways-to-give-back-to-your-community.html

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/12/07/10-ways-to-give-back-as-a-family-this-holiday-season