If you’re like me and many other people, you often find yourself asking how you can do more for those less fortunate, especially around the holidays. We really strive to teach our kids that they should be grateful for the things that they have and to help those less fortunate.
Below are a few ideas that you and your family can partake in and help make a difference, regardless of how big or small.
Purge closets and donate clothes, shoes, and blankets to homeless shelters.
Make kits with snacks, water, and hygiene supplies and distribute them to the homeless.
Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen :: Organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank are great places to volunteer.
Donate to Operation Christmas Child :: We have donated to this cause in previous years and our kids love it! They get to choose the gender and age of the child that the donate to and pick out all of the items that fit into a shoebox to ship to a less fortunate country.
Host an activity night at a local senior center.
Collect wish-list items for a local charity or church :: These organizations usually post lists of food items or toys/clothes for families in need.
Adopt an angel or a senior :: Many local churches have families, children, or citizens with small holiday wishes that you can donate.
Deliver gifts to kids who are hospitalized. Children’s Hospital New Orleans has tons of volunteer opportunities. Their Amazon wish list and donation guidelines can also be found here.
Schedule too hectic to donate? Have your kids make cards to send to a local senior living facility, first responders, or soldiers who can’t make it home to their loved ones for the holidays.
Check out this Adopt-A-Family program for families of soldiers!
Don’t forget about the furbabies! You can foster a shelter pet for the holidays or visit them for some play time! They also love donated stuffed animals and toys.
When all else fails pay it forward! Donate or raise funds for a local charity or buy a water or meal for a person in need.
Do you have other ideas on how we can spread holiday cheer to those who need it most? Comment it below for us to add to our list!
