Interested in doing a few acts of kindness, but do not know where to begin?
Here are 9 ideas to get you started!
1. Donate Toys
Donate a new, unopened toy to organizations such as Toys for Tots. You can also take them to a local hospital or women’s shelter. Donate food. Give the gift of helping a family to have a hearty meal or two by donating to a food bank or through a charitable organization.
2. Donate Food
Give the gift of helping a family to have a hearty meal or two by donating to a food bank or through a charitable organization. Also keep in mind that food banks still have a need in the new year when supplies are most likely to be depleted. Pay off someone’s layaway. It can be done at the store or many times even over the phone. Simply call a retailer who does layaway and
3. Pay off someone’s layaway
It can be done at the store or many times even over the phone. Simply call a retailer who does layaway and It can be done at the store or many times even over the phone. Simply call a retailer who does layaway and ask the customer service department how you can help pay off someone’s layaway to make their post-holiday season a lot less stressful.
4. Donate your time
Do not underestimate the value of your time. Serve meals at a soup kitchen. Help veterans and others get to their destination for the holidays. Help people with disabilities wrap gifts for their loved ones. Help your neighbors with lawn maintenance. You can also start by calling a local organization or two to find out their needs during the seasons.
5. Make a year-end charitable donation
Especially if you work for an organization that has a matching program. Let whatever amount that you can give get stretched further by your employer for an extra generous donation.
6. Remember those who are work during the Holidays.
Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders and the like are working shifts while you are enjoying the holidays . Perhaps you and your family can bring over some baked goods, books or even just a card to show your appreciation.
7. Visit a Senior Residence and Share a Talent
More senior pass away in January than any other month of the year. They often hang on for that last family gathering, or for that last sign of hope. This Christmas, take some time to visit a senior center and play a musical instrument, or share a craft talent with the senior residents. Not feeling as if you have a talent to share? Even offering a hug to seniors will often put a smile on both of your faces that will brighten up their season, and yours.
8. Clean out your closets.
If you have children who are leaving or have left home, you probably have a lot of things left around your house you don’t need. Those things can be donated to charity thrift stores or the Salvation Army so people less fortunate can repurpose them into nice holiday gifts.
9. Smile!
It’s easy to rush through the day without breaking a grin. Next time you are standing in line to check out at the mall, try offering a smile to the cashier. It might brighten both your days. Spread cheer. Even if you cannot give monetarily. Even if you cannot give with your time. Give what you can. Give a smile. Give a ‘thank you’. Give with your patience. Give with your heart.