How to give back This Holiday Season

By Mary Margaret Nugent, 2024

Published 12/4/23

As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to get swept up into a winter wonderland of gifts, food, outings, and special events. However, it is important to remember that it is also the season of giving and there are many ways to give back to the community as the holidays roll around. Whether it’s through donating time, food, or just positivity, there are various ways to get involved this winter and help those in need. 

Volunteering

Community service and volunteer hours can go a long way in the holiday season. Spending time helping at food kitchens or pantries, helping out in hospitals or nursing homes to spread positive messages, and even working outdoors helping shovel driveways of those unable are all cost-free ways to help those in need.  On a smaller scale, doing a bake sale or a smaller fundraiser for a good cause can go a long way as well.  

Donating

If there is a lack of time, donation is another viable option to give back at this time of year. Donating extra canned goods and other foods to food pantries and donating new toys to toy drives helps bring joy to many families. CHS even holds our own toy drive with boxes set up throughout the school for students to donate to. Other businesses, associations, and religious groups also supply more donation activities, for example giving trees. Lastly, you could also sponsor a child or family for Christmas and supply them with gifts and essentials during the holiday season. 

Spreading Awareness and Joy

Finally, other than materials or time, you can simply spread holiday joy through other helpful methods. For instance, making holiday or winter cards with positive messages and bringing them to hospitals for patients being treated to brighten their day. Raising awareness for important causes by simply spreading the word can also bring more attention to them around holidays and help others get in the giving mood. 

Ultimately, the winter holiday season includes many fun aspects, but the more important parts of the season are how we recognize how we can help others. The holidays are a great time to give back and help the community better as a whole.