Now that we’re well into December, it’s officially the season of giving! As you’re out shopping for your loved ones, don’t forget about all the children who may not be fortunate enough to spend the holidays with a family this year. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season is by giving back to the community through donations or volunteer work. There are so many ways to help out and make this time of year more enjoyable for everyone! Here are a few ideas:
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Adopt-a-Family or Sponsor-a-Child Programs: You’ve probably heard of adopting a child, but how about an entire family? During the holidays, there are many programs that allow people to assist and connect with low income or homeless families by “adopting” them. Some great organizations that offer this include Families Forward, Beyond Shelters, and A Place Called Home. You can also check your local Social Services Department to see if it’s available there.
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Toy Drives: Waking up to gifts under the tree is likely one of the most magical moments a child can experience, but not everyone has the resources to provide that for their kids. You can donate a toy or cash to give to children in need, so they can still experience the joy of receiving presents. Some notable organizations you can contact include Toys4Tots, the Salvation Army, and Spark of Love.
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Gifts that Give Back: Many companies sell products that give a generous portion of the proceeds to charity. An example is Faces of Sibera, a company that sells holiday cards created by orphaned children. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to for camps for children in Siberia. For each bear you buy from Bears for Humanity, the organization gives one to a child with a life threatening illness. Another great gift is a Love Your Melon hat; half of the profits are donated to pediatric cancer patients. There are tons of these types of gifts which you can check out here.
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Volunteer Work: You don’t have to spend money to help children this holiday season! If you have time on your hands, volunteering is a great way to give back. Many organizations host events during the holidays that include gift giving and fun activities for the community. Reach out and get some valuable experience through local nonprofits like your local soup kitchen, the Salvation Army, or a children’s hospital.
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Blanket Making: For those with a passion for arts and crafts, Project Linus takes homemade or new blankets and gives them to underprivileged children. You can also donate blanket materials and cloth.
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Clothes Donation: As styles change and kids grow out of their clothes, chances are you have a few extra items lying around in your closet. Rather than letting them take up your closet space, donate to an organization like Goodwill. Especially during the cold winter months, disadvantaged families will definitely need and appreciate clothes to keep them warm!
These are just a few of the ways you can help out this year. Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas about how you want to get involved in your community! Everyone deserves a happy holiday and you can make that a reality!
AdoptHelp provides assistance and information to adoptive families and birth mothers. Please contact us at 800-637-7999 if you would like to learn more.