Though seemingly simple enough, the thought of giving back during the holidays can sometimes feel daunting. Sure, everyone agrees that you should make it a habit to volunteer and donate (during the holidays, and all year for that matter), but sadly the plan can easily fall to the wayside when life happens. The list of excuses seems to warrant a “let’s do it next year,” as you write the idea off, whether it’s for lack of time, extra cash, resources, etc.
This holiday season, consider these five easy ways to give back in your community. By starting small, you can easily fit these simple acts into your schedule and budget. Since the act of “giving” can mean your wallet, but also your time, the possibilities are endless and can be easily-tailored to your lifestyle. (And sometimes giving of your time is even the most rewarding of all). If you’re looking for more opportunities, check out VolunteerMatch.org for information on hundreds of localized efforts. Tell me Loves, how are you planning to give back this holiday season? Truly, MKR
1. Volunteer at Your Local Soup Kitchen
According to the USDA, one in every six Americans is food insecure, which means they’re lacking access to adequate food resulting from the lack of money and other resources. Local nonprofit organizations, churches and community centers invite volunteers to help in both small and large capacities in designated shifts at their soup kitchens. Can’t commit to working a few shifts or even one full shift? Work with the volunteer coordinator to make specific arrangements, or consider making a small monetary donation. No Kid Hungry turns every $1 into 10 meals for kids (!). Find more ways to give here.
2. Give Your Time
Whether this means reading to the blind, visiting with the elderly or helping out at the children’s hospital, these acts can be extremely rewarding. Contacting the organization you wish to visit is generally very easy, as many websites include volunteer opportunities and contact info. Get involved with Children’s National here.
3. Donate to a Local Food Bank
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pantry (or grocery list) that doesn’t have a few cans to spare. Consider donating to or starting your own food drive, whether that is your nonperishable food or cash. We’re collecting items at our Brick & Mortar Shop, located at Shops Around Lenox next to Crate & Barrel and Lululemon – so come swing by if you’re in the A. Find your local food bank here.
4. Help Fight Poverty Housing and Homelessness
Habitat for Humanity offers an amazing array of ways to help fight poverty and homelessness in the US, but also internationally. Helping on a build site is a fun way to get involved with others, but there are countless other ways to help the cause. Right now, Habitat for Humanity will match your monetary donations 2x! Find out more info on how to get involved here.
5. Help Your Furry Friends
We’re huge advocates for our furry friends for obvious reasons, so when it comes to the safety of any animals that are abused and abandoned, we’re all in. Adopting, donating, fundraising and volunteering with ASPCA is one of our favorite ways to give back. Find out how to get involved here.
