5 Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
By Whit Hunter
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As the holiday season approaches, it's a time of joy and celebration. But it's also a perfect opportunity to think about giving back. This doesn't just mean buying gifts for family and friends. There are so many other ways to make a positive impact in your community.
Today, we'll explore different methods to help those in need during the holidays. Whether you have a lot to give or just a little, your efforts can make a big difference. From volunteering at local shelters to donating goods, every act of kindness counts. Let's dive into some of the best ways you can give back this holiday season.
1. Volunteering Time
Volunteering time during the holidays at local shelters and soup kitchens is a powerful way to give back to your community. These places rely heavily on volunteers to help make the holidays special for those in need.
Engaging in activities like serving meals on Christmas Day or preparing holiday meal boxes can make a significant difference. Feeding America emphasizes the importance of contacting a food bank or food pantry well before the holidays, as volunteer spots can fill up quickly due to the high interest during this season.
The holiday season is also a time for community events, and assisting with these can be highly rewarding. Whether it's helping to organize a local festival or participating in charity fundraisers, your involvement contributes to the spirit of the season and strengthens community bonds.
Moreover, the personal benefits of volunteering are numerous. It's not just about the physical act of helping; it’s also about the feeling of connection and the sense of purpose it provides.
Many volunteers find that they gain as much as they give, experiencing a sense of fulfillment and joy in being part of something larger than themselves.
2. Donating Goods
Donating goods during the holidays is another fantastic way to give back, and there are several popular items that are always in high demand.
Clothes, toys, and food are among the most sought-after donations. When donating clothing, it's important to ensure they are clean and gently worn, as everyone deserves to feel dignified in what they wear. Warm clothing is especially needed when temperatures drop.
For food donations, consider items that are integral to holiday meals, such as canned pumpkin, yams, and cranberry sauce.
However, staples like canned tuna and meats, beans, rice, oatmeal, and peanut butter are always useful and can be enjoyed by a wider range of people. Ensure that all food items are commercially packaged, labeled, and sealed.
When choosing and delivering donations, it's crucial to research the organizations you plan to donate to. This ensures that your donation has the most impact.
Local organizations often have specific needs and guidelines for donations. During the holiday season, these organizations might run special drives or have particular items they are looking to collect.
3. Financial Contributions
When making financial contributions to charities during the holidays, it's important to ensure that your donation goes to a trustworthy organization.
To select a reputable charity, you should conduct thorough research. Websites like BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch are excellent resources for evaluating a charity's credibility.
These sites review factors like a charity’s expenses, allocation of fundraising dollars, cost of fundraising, transparency, and more.
The impact of monetary donations during the holidays is significant. Charities often depend on end-of-year contributions to fund their programs and services. Financial donations provide charities with the flexibility to allocate funds to areas of greatest need, which can be more effective than donating goods.
When considering a donation, it's also important to understand the tax implications. Check whether the charity is a registered 501(c)(3) organization to ensure that your donation is tax-deductible.
4. Spreading Awareness
Spreading awareness during the holidays through various channels can amplify the reach and impact of causes and charities. Here are some effective ways to do so.
Utilizing Social Media to Promote Causes:
Social media platforms are powerful tools for raising awareness about important causes during the holiday season. By changing your profile and header images to reflect seasonal themes, you can visually align your social media presence with the holiday spirit.
Hosting or Participating in Awareness Events: Organizing or participating in events focused on raising awareness for a cause can be impactful. This could be a physical event like a charity run or a virtual event such as a webinar or live stream. Engaging your audience in these events can increase the visibility of the cause.
The Power of Word-of-Mouth: Never underestimate the impact of word-of-mouth in spreading awareness. Encouraging your followers to share posts related to your cause can significantly increase reach. You can initiate this by creating content that is easily shareable and resonates with your audience.
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5. Caring For Animals
Caring for animals during the holidays can be done in several impactful ways.
Volunteering at local animal shelters is a significant way to contribute. Tasks can vary from transporting animals to vet appointments to helping with administration and social media promotion.
Organizing donation drives is another effective method. Shelters often need items like cat food, litter, and cleaning supplies, which can be gathered through community drives. Monetary donations are also vital for shelters, especially since many operate as non-profits.
These donations help cover essential costs like food and veterinary care.
Finally, using social media to spread the word about adoptable animals, shelter needs, and events can increase visibility and support for shelters. Each of these methods plays a crucial role in supporting animal welfare during the holiday season.
Use Betterworld This Holiday Season To Give Back
BetterWorld is a unique platform that stands out as a valuable resource for giving back during the holiday season. BetterWorld distinguishes itself by providing free, state-of-the-art tools to nonprofits, enabling them to keep 100% of the funds they raise.
This approach is particularly beneficial during the holidays, a time often marked by heightened generosity and a desire to make a positive impact.
Here's how you can use BetterWorld.org this holiday season to give back.
- Support Nonprofits Directly: Browse through various nonprofit campaigns on BetterWorld.org and donate to causes that resonate with you. Since the platform doesn't charge the nonprofits, your entire donation goes towards the cause.
- Create a Personal Fundraising Campaign: If you're passionate about a specific cause, you can set up your own fundraising campaign on BetterWorld.org. It's a great way to rally friends, family, and community members to contribute to a cause close to your heart during the holiday season.
- Spread the Word: Use your social media and personal networks to raise awareness about the campaigns or causes on BetterWorld.org. Sometimes, spreading the word can be as impactful as donating, especially during the holiday season when people are looking for ways to give back.
Remember, the holiday season is not just about giving but giving effectively.

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