So if you feel like this discrepancy between the wealthy and those with far less income is something that speaks to you in a way that makes you want to help, your number one way to contribute is to volunteer at the appropriate places. For example, volunteering at soup kitchens and homeless shelters can be a great way to serve others during this time. Most shelters are filled to capacity because the weather is cold and people are seeking warmth and food anywhere that they can find it. We want to emphasize that volunteering and lending a hand and serving in these areas is really important in general. But sometimes, material possessions really do make an impact for less fortunate families.

So what can you do? We recommend finding some old cardboard boxes and filling them up with items from your closet and basement that you are no longer using. Clean any clothing items you want to give away thoroughly before putting them in the boxes. Finding old toys or even trinkets, books, or board games is also important, as young kids still want to have fun celebrating their holiday, too.

Another thing to keep in mind around this time of year is that there are more non-perishable foods than just canned goods. While those are important for nutrition year round, there’s something exciting about donating candy boxes and other sweet treats that kids may never get during the rest of the year. Of course, if you are going to be donating candy boxes, make certain that they’re non-perishable and are more along the lines of gummies or sour candies rather than hard, potentially dangerous candies like jawbreakers.

If you’re unsure what you want to donate or what people may like for the holidays, go out of your way to ask a few different people who are staying at a shelter. They’ll be the first to talk about what exactly they could use or what they think their kids would love. And more than anything, they’ll appreciate that you asked directly instead of assuming they would like whatever it is you want to get rid of.