Published November 29, 2023
10 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season!
- 10 Easy Ways to give back this Holiday SeasonThe holiday season is a time for joy, love, and giving back to the community. What better way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas than by volunteering and giving back? In our local area, there are numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Here are 10 heartwarming ways you can spread holiday cheer through volunteerism this Christmas.1. Serve a Festive Meal at a Local Shelter:Many shelters and community organizations host special Christmas meals for those in need. Gather family and friends to serve hot meals, share smiles, and create a warm atmosphere for individuals experiencing homelessness during the holidays. Check with organizations like the Downtown Soup Kitchen, Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission or Brother Francis Shelter for volunteering opportunities during the holidays.2. Adopt a Family for Christmas:Reach out to local charities or churches that organize Christmas assistance programs. Adopting a family in need allows your family to shop for and deliver holiday gifts, making a direct and meaningful impact on another family's Christmas celebration. Connect with local charities such as The Salvation Army or Catholic Social Services to inquire about their Christmas assistance programs.3. Volunteer at a Food Bank:Help combat holiday hunger by volunteering at a local food bank. Sort and pack food items, assist with distribution, and contribute to ensuring that everyone has a nourishing meal during the festive season. Find your closest food bank at https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.4. Decorate a Senior Center:Spread holiday cheer to seniors who may be spending Christmas alone. Coordinate with local senior centers to decorate common areas, play festive music, and spend quality time with the elderly residents. Contact local senior centers to discuss opportunities for holiday decorating and spending time with residents.5. Create Homemade Christmas Cards for Hospital Patients:Craft personalized Christmas cards as a family and deliver them to hospitals in the area. This small gesture can bring comfort and joy to patients who may be spending the holidays away from home.6. Organize a Toy Drive:Partner with local businesses, schools, or community centers to organize a toy drive. Collect new, unwrapped toys and donate them to children in need, ensuring that every child experiences the magic of Christmas. Collaborate with organizations like Toys for Tots, collecting items in the Midtown Mall through December 23rd.7. Host a Winter Clothing Drive:In Alaska, many individuals face the harsh reality of winter without adequate clothing. Organize a winter clothing drive to collect coats, hats, gloves, and blankets for those in need. Reach out to organizations like Beans Café in Anchorage and inquire about their needs for winter clothing donations, or keep wool socks in your car to hand out to the homeless.8. Reach out to the Spouse/Family of a Deployed Service Member:Reaching out to a deployed spouse and their family during the holidays is a thoughtful way to ensure they're not alone or forgotten during a difficult time of year. Your simple act of connection, whether through a message, invitation to a meal or a small gesture, provides comfort and support. It's a meaningful reminder that their sacrifices are acknowledged and appreciated, brightening the holiday season for those missing their loved one serving far from home.9. Write to a Deployed Service Member:Writing a letter to a deployed service member for the holidays is a meaningful way to show appreciation and bring warmth to their time away from home. Express gratitude, share festive stories, and convey well-wishes to remind them they are not forgotten. Your words can bridge the distance, offering comfort and a sense of connection during this special season of celebration.10. Participate in a Polar Plunge for Charity:For the adventurous families, consider participating in a Polar Plunge event where participants jump into icy waters for a good cause. Many of these events raise funds for local charities and are a unique way to bond as a family while supporting the community. The Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Dec 16th at Goose Lake in Anchorage is a great opportunity! Sign up here: https://specialolympicsalaska.org/events/polar-plunge/
