With the holiday season upon us, many of us are thinking about how we’ll spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah, about the perfect presents to gift our loved ones, and about how we can spread the holiday love to others. Helping families in need can make a big impact on others’ lives while at the same time enriching your own. Here are five ways that you can focus on holiday giving this year:
Adopt a child or family.
There are a number of programs out there that allow donors to ”adopt” a child or family in need for the holiday season by donating gifts that they’ve requested. Most often, the families have experienced a serious economic crisis. The types of families in need include low-income working families, single moms and their children, victims of domestic violence, and those who have been financially devastated by a serious illness in the family, among other situations. Here are a few holiday season adopt-a-family program options:
- Look for a branch of Lutheran Services or Catholic Charities USA in your area, as both typically host an adopt-a-family holiday program.
- Soldiers’ Angels enables volunteers to adopt a military/veteran family for the holidays. Other volunteer programs offered by Soldiers’ Angels include joining a letter-writing, sewing and crafting, or baking team.
- Call 211 to get connected with local adopt-a-family programs.
Give back with Toys for Tots.
Bring the joy of the holidays to the less fortunate through the Toys for Tots charity, which has supported 258 million children since it was founded in 1947. Ways to get involved include donating toys, giving a monetary gift, donating a vehicle, or starting a crowdfunding campaign.
Get involved with local charities.
Whether you’re passionate about animals or looking to give back with your musical talents, chances are that there’s a charity near you that would appreciate your help. Learn more about nearby volunteer opportunities by exploring one of the following search platforms:
Start a food drive.
Help fight hunger in your community this holiday season by holding a food drive. Start by deciding where the food you collect will be donated. Next, choose a food drive location, such as your office, school, or gym, then plan out exactly when you’ll hold the drive, and get busy spreading the word!
Donate money.
There are so many charities doing wonderful work in the world that would be thrilled to receive your donation, no matter the amount. We’d love your donation, or you can check out GreatNonprofits.org to find another charity that speaks to you.
GivingTuesday is a wonderful chance to get involved with a global movement and give a financial gift for whatever great cause you choose. Another idea is to ask loved ones to donate money to a cause you care about in your name in lieu of a holiday gift.
No matter what you choose to do, one person dedicated to helping families in need this holiday season has the power to create a ripple effect of kindness throughout your community.
From giving a financial gift or starting a food drive, to providing corporate support or volunteering, Feeding Westchester invites you to get involved in our organization in any way you’d like. Any action you take gets us closer to fulfilling our mission of ending hunger in Westchester County. Visit our volunteer page to learn more about how you can help us help families in need.
