Charitable Holiday Acts

Like the Grinch in the classic Dr. Suessstory, most people’s hearts grow three sizes during the holiday season and we want to help those left fortunate than us. Many of us know that it’s harder for some people to get through the holidays than it is others and that sometimes a little helping hand is all people need to get through. Sometimes our kind acts are exactly the right ticket to brighten someone’s day. Sometimes, it’s the step in the right direction people need to do bigger and better things. You never know the power of your kindness until you give it away.

Many people get the urge to volunteer during the holidays because we want to help others have a better holiday. We know that being alone or less fortunate during the holiday season can be more of a burden than a celebration, so we want to help in any way we can. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t sure how they can help. Here’s a short list of things that may make your day and someone else’s a little bit brighter.

How to Help

Soup Kitchens –Every day, soup kitchens and shelters across the country are feeding millions of homeless people. Every single day, not just during the holiday season. Most of these places are always looking for volunteers to help serve meals. During the holiday season, they’re often looking for peopleto help prep and cook traditional meals. Roasting turkeys, peeling potatoes, dicing veggies for stuffing, or baking yams take time and manpower to get done so your service is always needed.

Sponsoring Families –Usually, women’s shelters or places like the Salvation Army work hard to give needy families a nice Christmas, so they obtain lists of needs and wants for both the women and the kids, or just the kids. They ask for specific items and give their sizes, so you’re able to go to the store and shop for the items on your own. Many places ask that you not wrap the items, so keep that in mind when you’re considering this option. Whether you want to go all out buying toys or if you want to provide the necessities like socks, underwear, coats, mittens, hats, and scarves. The choice is yours.

Delivering Meals –Many churches prepare holiday meals for people who are homebound or don’t have the transportation to pick them up themselves. They usually are looking for people to not only prepare, cook,and hand out the meals but also to deliver them to people’s homes. Not only will you get to see the joy from your delivery, but you’re also not cooped up in a hot kitchen all day long.

Donate Your Money –There are hundreds of organizations who are willing to collect your money to go towards their specific causes over the holidays. If you can’t donate your time, they’ll gladly take your money and more often than not, you’ll be able to write off the donation on your taxes. It’s a great way to help when you don’t have the spare time to volunteer yourself.

Whether you have an abundance of riches or you’re struggling yourself, helping others will make you feel good. You’ll be able to pass on your good-natured assistance and probably cheer yourself up in the process. If you’re down and out or you’re chock full of holiday spirit, helping others will be the rush of good will to help carry yours through the holiday season. You never know what your benevolence can do to help change someone else’s life.