Help Your Community This Christmas

Christmas is a time to give thanks and be grateful for what you have. Quite often we truly have much more than we realize – until we take stock and actually express gratitude. Many of us have a home filled with love, family and friends and good health – all valuable things you just can’t put a price on. As your home is filled with a warm glow this holiday season – you’ll certainly want to share this with others. In today’s economy many are suffering and an ideal way to celebrate Christmas is to help those who are less fortunate than you are. Even if you don’t have a lot of extra money there are ways you can help bring a smile to their face and to help others in need.

One of the best ways to help others is to give your warm coats to those who don’t have a coat for winter. Many homeless shelters take coats. This is the perfect time to clean out your closet for Fall and Winter clothing you aren’t going to wear and pack it up to give to a homeless shelter or other social service organization. Some are looking for business suits as their clients are looking for jobs, so your old suit would be very welcomed. Remember that items that are gently used are ideal – clothing that looks older and worn probably won’t be worn by most.

Giving to a food pantry or soup kitchen is another ideal choice for the Christmas holiday. There are many ways you can do this, even if you can’t afford to give a food or money donation. Give the gift of your time, serve food or help pack boxes or bags of food. Many of these organizations are very dependant on volunteers and they will be grateful for your time and services. Your help will put nutritious food on their tables at a much needed time.

Another excellent option is to visit residents of your local nursing home. Some have family that live too far for them to see for the holidays. Talk to their Volunteer Department to ask about visiting and they will explain their rules. Most are pleased to have members of the community visit after they have interviewed you and you have gone through orientation. Bringing some cheer to someone who is a bit lonely for the holidays is a good thing and will help you keep perspective as the coming year approaches.