If you’re looking to give back beyond your planned financial contributions, there are many ways to support your local community and the greater good that go beyond the bottom line. From showing support to local first responders to offering virtual services to donating blood, lending both time and resources can benefit the giver as much as the recipient. Consider the below impactful ways to help those in need this holiday season.
Support the First Responders
Arrange to have a holiday feast delivered to your local police station, firehouse, or hospital during the holiday. These first responders don’t get to take off during the holidays, so sending a catered spread from a local restaurant is a way to express appreciation for all they do while supporting a local business.
Provide for the Pediatric Wings
Reach out to your local hospital’s pediatric wing to see what local assistance would be most beneficial. Whether it’s gifting books, toys, meals for the families, or cleaning supplies, these seemingly small gestures can make significant impacts.
Subsidize Mental Health Organizations
The holidays can be tough on many people, so supporting mental health organizations is a timely cause in which to contribute. Whether it’s a local chapter or a national organization, financial contributions can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
Help With Groceries
Anonymously deliver a gift card to a grocery delivery service to someone who needs it—whether that is a local food shelter, an elderly neighbor, or someone medically fragile. If you have the time resources, ask an elderly neighbor for their grocery list to save a trip or make a Costco run to replenish a local food shelter
Support Retirement Home Residents
The holidays can be lonely for those who aren’t with family. So write letters to residents in nearby assisted living centers and contact the facility to see if items could benefit their residents, such as books and puzzles.
Share Your Professional Advice
Lend your professional skills to those in need. Whether it’s reviewing resumes, interview coaching, or interview attire advice, coaching and helping job seekers build confidence can help those who need it get on track for financial independence.
Donate Blood
Blood is a resource that money can’t buy due to national blood shortages. Reach out to your local American Red Cross chapter to find out where you can donate blood locally. Whether it is a one-time donation or if you decide to donate regularly, every donation counts.
Fund a Home
Give someone the stability and security of home by volunteering with or donating to Habitat for Humanity. You have the option of rolling up your sleeves and helping build a house for those in need, or you can also contribute to funding home-building projects.
Giving back to your community is one of the most important ways to stay involved and keep a pulse on the local landscape.
