30 Nov ‘Tis the Season of Giving – 10 Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season
‘Tis the season of giving, and I know a lot of us feel generous at this time of year.
While our idea of giving often includes finding the perfect present for that special person, there are so many individuals less fortunate that could use a helping hand this holiday season. Even a small gesture, moment of your time, or generous donation can make the world of difference to someone in need.
So, if you’re looking for some small ways to give back during the holiday season, I’ve come up with 10 unique ways that will satisfy your generousity.
1. If you are hosting a Christmas party, ask your guests to bring food pantry donations or donations to a charity instead of a hostess gift. This can happen even on Christmas Eve, as families always need food, even after Christmas has come and gone.
2. Participate in Holiday helpers! Sponsor a family by providing a a customized package including an artificial tree, decorations, grocery gift cards and presents from their personalized wish list.
3. Give a family or friend who might be struggling a gift card for groceries or gas.
4. Participate at a community dinner or soup kitchen. The Newmarket Food Pantry is always seeking volunteers for their Community Kitchen.
5. Write holiday cards to seniors who may be lonely this Christmas. I absolutely love this idea and our local senior homes or even the hospital would surely welcome the idea. The beauty of this one is that you can get your kids involved too.
6. Give the gift of help! Seniors, single parents, or people with disabilities and/or illnesses would benefit greatly from help with shovelling, getting groceries, preparing a meal or getting a tree. Even offering a helping hand with putting up Christmas lights and/or decorations for your elderly neighbours would be a lovely gesture.
7. Buy Christmas cards from your favourite charity and send these out this year instead of the generic store bought ones.
8. Shop local! When you shop local you are stimulating the local economy with your support, and in turn, helping shape and maintain your community’s unique character and personality.
9. Buy eco-friendly gifts. Nothing brings gift-giving cheer like knowing your eco-friendly gifts are supporting a better world. The Replenish General Store and the Earth Market Store are my top suggestions and both are in Newmarket!
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