The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for many people. However, for some, it brings much more stress than joy.
Of course, I’m too young to have been in this position myself. I am twenty-one years old with no children counting on me to grant all their wishes. However, I’ve known families in need over the course of my life. Parents and children of these families feel inadequate, which is incredibly sad, especially when the circumstances of their financial instability are out of their control.
What can we do for families in need around the holidays? How can I get involved?
This all depends on your personal financial situation. If you are in a place where you are able to give, there are an incredible number of places where you can do so.
You’ve probably heard some of them in the past, but here are a few ideas:
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is an incredible organization that helps children from less fortunate families receive Christmas presents. The easiest way to donate to this organization is to find a drop box near you and provide for that specific location. However, there are other ways to get involved and make an impact.
On their website, you can start a fundraiser in order to lend monetary support to the organization. There is also a virtual donation box, where you can virtually donate toys and gifts instead of donating to a physical Toys for Tots drop box. Additionally, Toys for Tots began a literacy program in 2008. You can donate to this program, which helps provide children with more opportunities to read and develop crucial comprehension skills.
Giving to Local Programs
If you’d like to make an impact closer to home, there are several routes that you could take to get involved in your community. For one, you could reach out to local organizations who are hosting Giving Trees. Many churches take part in this tradition each year, so you could start with churches in your area. Many school districts and individual towns also have special funds dedicated to helping the families of young students around the holidays. You could ask if your town or local school district has one, and how you could contribute to these funds.
Food Drives & Food Pantry Donations
This option is often a lot more affordable. If you’re looking for a more low-cost option, you could pick up some goods at your local grocery store and donate them to a local food pantry. If you wanted, you could even check in your cabinets for dry goods that you won’t use. So many of us have extra food and grocery items just sitting idly around our house! Even if you have to go out, you could make a serious difference in somebody’s holiday season with a ten-minute, ten-dollar trip to Kroger.
If you aren’t in a place to give monetarily…
Donate your time!
Even if you can’t give to one of the organizations I mentioned, many of these organizations need help coordinating their operations. One year, I wrapped presents for a Giving Tree that my church was hosting. It was fun for me, since I enjoy gift wrapping, and it also made me feel like I was giving back to my community. Additionally, I volunteered some time at a food pantry in high school. It’s amazing how much help they need organizing donations. Any way you can get involved will be a huge help to the organization you’re working with and the community it supports.
Just be supportive. Especially if the person experiencing financial hardship is near and dear to you.
Be kind to everyone, no matter what. You never know what an individual or a family is going through. Try to be a support system for anyone who asks for your love and understanding. Offer prayers if you are religious, or spend your time uplifting the person in need.
That’s all I’ve got for now.
Go out and make a difference this holiday season. If you want, check out my previous blog about budgeting for the holidays!