As trees are decorated, snow begins to fall, gifts become wrapped, and the family gathers to celebrate the holiday season, the urge to give back arises. The Christmas season is known for giving and receiving presents which steers attention away from the season’s real meaning: the chance to share love and joy with neighbors, friends, family, and strangers.
While I enjoy festive activities like decorating gingerbread houses, baking cookies, attending light shows, Secret Santa gift exchanges, and a variety of other holiday hobbies, I also set aside time to volunteer within the community. Whether adopting a family for holiday shopping, participating in food drives, or donating to The Salvation Army, there are many ways to give back to the community.
Volunteering does not have to take time away from spending time with family and friends; instead, it can be a way to bring everyone together. Volunteering with loved ones is more fun and easier to commit to. This holiday season, for example, my friends and I have plans to adopt and shop for a family in need. To do so, we locate The Angel Tree at a local church, Our Lady of Grace, and pick one or two “ornaments” stating the family’s Christmas list. Following this, we shop around Target, Ridgedale Mall, Southdale Mall, and Mall of America to buy wishlist items like fuzzy socks, fidget toys, coloring books, and beauty products. Once we finish shopping, my friends and I gather at a house to put our gift boxes together. Gather your friends, bake some holiday treats, and give back to organizations like the Angel Tree this holiday season.
In addition to this organization, volunteering face-to-face can be the most rewarding type; to do so, travel to local soup kitchens and scoop dinner for those in need. Around the Metro Area, there are nearly 55 locations providing food to individuals of all ages. Amongst face-to-face serving, many of these locations are also open as food pantries and banks. My family and I participate in the brown bag drive where we donate and collect groceries from neighbors and friends; this year, we have already gathered over 20 bags filled with food and necessities.
When heading to the store for holiday shopping and groceries, fill your pockets with a handful of dollar bills. Throughout December, The Salvation Army hosts The Red Kettle donation station to raise funds for a variety of their services. For instance, they work to shelter homeless people and provide food and water for those in hunger. The Salvation Army makes giving back this season convenient and prompt; I aim to contribute the majority of the times I am by a Red Kettle site and urge others to donate.
Even though there’s a lot of fun that comes with the Christmas season, be sure to focus on the season’s true meaning: sharing joy with others.