The Importance of Giving Back This Holiday Season
Over 37 million people in the United States alone live below the poverty line. Even among those who are technically above the poverty line, many are still struggling. The holiday season can be challenging for them.
Have you been considering giving back this season so you can help?
We're here to talk about why you should consider doing something good for your community this holiday season (as well as a few ways to do it). Read on to learn more.
People in Need Deserve a Festive Holiday Too
Many people forget that the holidays don't feel festive for everyone. People who are in need may not be able to celebrate the festive season the way they'd like. For them, the holidays can be depressing.
When you give back to your community by helping the less fortunate, you're giving them the opportunity to have a more comfortable holiday. Even if it just brings a small amount of joy, you're making a serious impact.
Winter Is Difficult Enough Already
If you're in a part of the world that's cold during the holidays, you know that it's a dangerous time. While you're warm and cozy inside, there are people sleeping outside, in chilly shelters, or in homes they can't afford to keep warm.
They may struggle to get enough food or stay comfortable.
Winter is the perfect time to help out. Giving back during the Christmas season means giving back during the most unforgiving season of the year, weather-wise.
You can help someone stay warm and fed during what should be the most festive time of the year. What better gift is there than that?
It Embraces the True Meaning of the Holiday Season
The holidays have become so commercialized. They're all about who can get the biggest and shiniest gift. The true meaning of the holiday season seems to have been forgotten.
The holidays are about festive giving, not getting. They're about doing kind things for other people and providing festive cheer.
If you've been feeling like the holidays feel too empty and commercial, this is a great year to try giving back instead. You may find that it reignites your holiday spirit.
How to Give Back: Fun and Festive Ideas
So you want to give back during the holiday season this year. How are you going to go about it? Here are a few great ways you can truly embody the holiday spirit by giving back to people in your community (and beyond).
Volunteer to Serve Food to the Less Fortunate
Your city likely has some kind of program for feeding people in need. Whether it's through the city itself, through local shelters, or even through an organization like Food Not Bombs, there is a way for you to feed people who need it.
This is a great thing to do if you happen to be alone on the holidays. If you don't have a gathering to go to, serving food to your community will still allow you to spend time with others and do something fantastic that will make a positive impact.
Make Helpful Gift Bags
If there are people experiencing homelessness in your community, you could (if you have the funds to do so) make small bags to pass out to them with helpful items inside. Some people call them "blessing bags."
These bags don't have to be expensive to put together, so do whatever is within your means. Bags often include:
- Small gift cards to coffee shops or other stores
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Feminine hygiene items
- Warm socks and gloves
- Handwarmers
- Candy for the holidays
These small bags may not seem significant, but they could brighten someone's day.
"Adopt" a Family
Adopting a family for the holidays is a great thing to do if you have the means. This means that you're helping them with their holiday.
Each family has different needs. Some families will provide you with a list of things they need for their household and children. Others will just give you a list of their children's ages and interests so you can play Santa for them.
Some people choose to also buy holiday dinners for families in need or help out the parents. Every situation is different and whatever you're able to give is going to be helpful.
Donate to a Good Cause
Donate to a good cause if you have spare money during the holiday season. There are so many potential causes to donate to, so you can choose one that resonates with you.
You can donate money to local food banks or shelters, donate to medical research, donate to the Humane Society, and more. You can also donate items.
Shelters and other charity programs are always in need of food and clothing to give to the less fortunate. During the holiday season, they also collect toys.
You can also donate with the purchases you make. Why not buy some gifts from companies who donate some of their proceeds to charity so you can "kill two birds with one stone," so to speak?
Give a Gift to a Foster Child
Foster children all over the country don't get to spend the holidays with their families. You can make their days a bit brighter by looking at programs like One Simple Wish that allow you to buy a gift for a child in foster care.
These children often don't receive gifts and the holidays are difficult for them. One small gift can brighten their day.
Are You Giving Back This Holiday Season?
Giving back this holiday season is one of the best things you can do. Even a small gesture can be life-changing for someone in need. If you have the ability to give back, consider doing so.
It's good for the community and good for your heart.
At One Love, we love giving back. With every purchase from our collections, we make a donation to a charity that's close to our hearts. Buy gifts for people on your shopping list (or people in your community) and you know your money will be going to a good cause.