November 29, 2016
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
This holiday season, our family is starting a new tradition: volunteering. This hasn’t always been a tradition of ours, but it has become very clear to us recently that volunteering isn’t something we should do only at holidays, but rather should build it in as a regular aspect our lives. Helping people and contributing to our communities should be part of our way of life. So, we’re going to build that into the fabric of how we operate as a family.
If you’re looking to get into the spirit of volunteering, the holidays are a beautiful place to start. It’s not only a way to encourage togetherness within your family unit, but it also affords you the opportunity to teach your children about philanthropy, to have important discussions about the different ways in which people live, what it means to have needs, why it’s so important to stay connected to those around us, and why it is vital to have everyone’s participation in taking care of our world and all its inhabitants.
Whether it’s time or money you’ve got to give, there are so many ways for you and your family to indulge in the spirit of giving. Here are a few to consider:
A winter clothing drive. This time of year is devastating for those who don’t have the resources to withstand the drop in temperature. Plan a weekend afternoon for your family members to go through their closets and gather up any winter items they may not be using anymore. Then find a drive in your area accepting winter clothing and donate them as a group. It’s so important for our children to see where their efforts are going — that will make a huge impact and further deepen the sense of purpose when it comes to donating.
Shop up for a holiday food drive. So many organizations are starving (literally) for food donations around the holidays. Many, many families are facing a holiday season without enough to eat on a regular day, let alone the bounty usually expected at holiday meals. Reach out to local food pantries and drives to see what they’re looking for (this is important, don’t just assume!), go on a grocery run with your family, and then deliver all your foodstuffs together. A beautiful way to share the effort.
Donate, in lieu of giving gifts. You don’t have to give up giving gifts entirely, but consider adding a donation to your gift-giving practice this holiday. Donating to an organization in the name of a friend or family member is a wonderful way to celebrate your loved one while also supporting those who need help the most. No one can argue with its generosity!
Visit a nursing home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Many who are spending the holiday in retirement or nursing homes won’t have anyone to visit or spend the day with. Find a location near you that accepts visitors, and stop by to chat with local residents and bring them a bit of holiday cheer. Consider bringing a small gift like homemade sweets or a plant. Your impact will be immeasurable.
Give of your time this holiday. Find a local organization that needs volunteers — whether it’s delivering meals to those who are housebound, dropping off toys and gifts to those who wouldn’t be receiving them otherwise, or donating your services to a local event — the gift of your presence will be invaluable, and done as a group, it’s an experience you’ll remember for years to come.
