The holiday season is a very special time of year, where we come together with friends and family and celebrate one another. We give thanks for the good in our lives, celebrate with gifts, and enjoy seasonal traditions that we pass down through the generations. Giving back to our community- both here at home and our global community across the globe, is just one way we can make the holiday season even more special.
From simple acts of kindness to larger efforts that can make a significant impact, there are several ways to give back this holiday season- and each of them can be enough to brighten someone’s day lighten their load just a little bit! Consider making the time to give a little bit- whether you donate your time, your friendship, or send a few dollars someone else’s way: here’s how you can spread some holiday cheer to the world around you.
Ways to Give this Holiday Season
- One popular way to give during the holiday season are toy drives, from local programs to Toys for Tots, run by the Marines and helping millions of kids every year. The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will also often take donations for toys. Don’t forget kids come in all ages and interests– so don’t be afraid to think outside the box with gifts that may appeal to older children.
- Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your time and friendship. If possible, volunteer at a senior center, nursing home, or homeless shelter. Serving holiday meals, talking with people, or even just submitting cards can help remind these people that they’re loved and appreciated, especially during the holiday season. Visit Volunteer Match to find some places in need of volunteers in the Pittsburgh area.
- If baking is something you enjoy, don’t be afraid to bake some cookies! Swing by your neighbors’ homes and let them know that you’re thinking of them. Alternatively, send cookies to school with your child to share with the class or to put in the teachers’ lounge, or bring them to the office for everyone to enjoy.
- Food pantries like the Pittsburgh Food Bank help keep food on the tables for millions of families all year long. Even if you grab a few extra cans when you’re shopping, every little bit can really help make a difference to those less fortunate. Organizing a food drive in your neighborhood can add up quickly!
- Animal shelters often make ends meet by the kindness of others. Donating food and litter can go a long way in helping the organization help the animal community. Animal Friends in the north hills of Pittsburgh is a worthy organization to consider. Some animal shelters and food pantries will also have programs to help financially challenged pet owners come and get pet supplies, much like a normal food pantry, helping owners who have fallen on hard times keep their pets. If you have the extra space, maybe you could even adopt one of those pets to take home yourself!
- Making financial contributions are a quick and easy way to help support your favorite causes, even if you’ve got a busy schedule you need to keep up with. Find a cause and organization you’re happy to support and start sending those donations along!
- Ironically, the easiest way to spread some holiday cheer might also be the most effective. While gifts and financial contributions are great, it’s often the smallest things that can make the biggest impact. Being a good neighbor, friendly and welcoming to those around you, can really change somebody’s mood. Smile and say hello as you hold the door for the person behind you. Give friends and family a phone call. Check in on co-workers who might be out sick and make sure they have everything they need. Make plans to meet an old friend for lunch. Take the time to stop and chat with store clerks or drive through workers who may need a moment’s rest amid the crazy holiday shopping season. Being extra kind during this hectic season goes a long way.
Before you get too deep in the hustle and bustle of the season, take a moment and really think about what the holidays mean. It’s a season of giving, of being considerate for those around you; friends and strangers alike. You might find that what you set out to do to help another, makes a significant positive impact on your life as well! After all — Kindness is contagious.
