3 Ways to Give Back to the Community during the Holidays

Around this time of year, families reunite, several holidays are celebrated, and communities rally around different causes. If you still haven't gotten involved in charitable giving, it doesn't have to involve large donations or building homes. Even little acts of giving can enlighten someone's day. Here are 3 ways to give back during the holidays:

Create a Giving Box for Loose Change at Home and Work

This is the easiest way to collect money from home or work. You can start with an empty coffee can, jar, or shoebox. To the family and co-workers involved, you can decorate the containers with holiday colors. Make sure to place the container in a high traffic area like the kitchen at home or water cooler at work.

Once it is full with change, decide in a group what charity you will donate the money to.

Holiday Party Donations

At your next holiday party, ask the attendees to bring a non-perishable food item, old toys, books, or even socks, mittens, and gloves.

You can collect all items in several boxes. Once the party is over, you can make a donation to several organizations.

Holiday Cards

Homemade holiday cards are sure-fire day brighteners. Donate your creations to a local nursing home, Meals on Wheels program, or veteran’s hospital. Or send them to a service member through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, or a child with a life-threatening illness through Hugs and Hope.

UMLY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Saturday, December 1 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

The live reindeer returns. Come meet and have your photo with Santa and the reindeer. Make holiday crafts at the Reindeer Craft Workshop, and warm up with free hot chocolate and muffins.

Photo with Santa $10.00. Please register for photo prior to 10:30.