Ways To Give Back During The Holidays

During the holidays a variety of opportunities present themselves in order to give back to the community and/or organizations. Some think that giving back simply means just donating money. However, that is not always the case. Often times one of the most meaningful things you can do is give your time.

Here are a few ways you can give back.

1. Donate to the Salvation Army. 

During the holidays, The Salvation Army provides a variety of assistance programs that are dependent on donations. They are able to provide grocery/food assistance, bill-pay assistance, holiday events (this includes hospital visits, meal delivery, etc.), and the Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree program is absolutely amazing, this allows individuals to "adopt" a child that has been placed on the tree and provide Christmas gifts for them. We have an Angel Tree in our PX here and all of the recipients are military families. Don't forget about the Red Kettle program, 33% of the donations to the Salvation Army come through this program. 

2. Donate to the USO.

Of course it is no surprise that as a military spouse I support military affiliated organizations. The USO is one of the leading organizations that provides services for service members and their families.  They have more than 200 locations worldwide. They provide holiday care packages, entertainment, and provide services to keep families connected. This is certainly an organization that is worthy of a donation. 

3. Find a local food bank to volunteer at. (If you are in the US here is a link to the Feeding America site to locate a food bank in your area)

There are a variety of organizations in your local area that need help preparing donation baskets, stocking shelves, and handing out food at distribution events. Some even need held serving meals during the holiday season. You don't have to do this alone, bring along your families and kids. I think this is a great way to teach the younger kids how to give back. You could even hold a food drive and donate the goods to your local food bank! Some of these food banks will partner with homeless shelters, and this provides another opportunity to volunteer. You can donate clothing items and give your time to giving back to the homeless.

4. Support Wreaths Across America.

If you are not familiar with this organization they provide beautiful wreaths for the graves of service members. The main ceremony occurs at Arlington National Cemetery with additional ceremonies occurring in over 1,200 locations. There are a few ways you can help. You can sponsor a wreath or you can participate in an event near you by helping lay the wreaths. We are thrilled this year that we will be able to participate in such a special event. I think it's important that even while she is little to show Emersyn that giving back in this way is something she should strive to do. 

5. Donate food/toys to a local animal shelter. 

Too often these furry sweethearts at shelters get forgotten about. Unfortunately, when the weather turns cold shelters see an influx of surrenders and they are dependent on donations. Taking a bag of cat/dog food can make the biggest difference to these organizations who are doing all these can to ensure that these sweet babies are safe. While toys aren't a necessity they are a great way to make them happy. 

6. Provide treats for fireman, police officers, and first responders. 

These individuals work so hard to provide services for all of us and bringing them simple treats is a nice way to let them know that they are appreciated. This could even be done for teachers as well as postal workers. The smallest gestures can make the biggest difference, especially during the holiday season. It is not an easy time for some and this would certainly brighten their day. 

As you can see there are a variety of ways that you can give back this holiday season (and throughout the year to be honest). These are just a few but there are countless ways to make the most of this time of year and to brighten the lives of others. 

Do you plan on giving back this year?