The holiday season is filled with family, friends, warm nights in front of a fire and holiday decorations galore. But the holiday season is also a time for reflection, to give thanks and to give to others through acts of kindness. While running a charity 5K or volunteering at a local food shelter are great ways to give back to the community, we’ve listed some different ways that you might not have thought of.
1. Leave a sweet treat with a note for your mailman or delivery person.
Show the men and women who work every day despite traffic, weather, holidays and other circumstances some appreciation for their efforts by leaving a treat in your mailbox or by your door. Rebecca, a metro Atlanta mom, sets up a festive thank-you station by her door for the people delivering extra packages during the holidays. “Giving back is so important and something I try and teach my boys since it’s what my dad taught me,” said Rebecca.
2. Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to all year.
Such a simple act can go a long way in someone’s mind. This will brighten their day to be able to catch up on life events.
3. Sponsor a family.
If you have the means, sponsoring a family is a great way to give back this holiday season. This can include sending handpicked presents or gift cards that will be sure to spread holiday cheer. Adopt-A-Family is a great organization that can help with this. Learn more about their program here.
4. Donating goods to an animal shelter.
Weather doesn’t just affect humans. As the weather gets colder and we put on our jackets, consider donating blankets, pet food, peanut butter and toys to your local animal shelter to bring some joy to your furry-tailed friends.
5. Donate to a local food bank.
Another easy way to give back this season is to bring nonperishable items to your local food bank. This is a great way to show children how easy it is to donate and let them pick out their favorite nonperishable foods. Peanut butter is a great food to donate as it is energy-dense, nutritious, easy to eat and doesn’t require refrigeration. Check out these facts about peanut butter below.
