WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
When you think of holiday giving, you probably first think of piles of presents under the tree for your family to open and enjoy.
However, there are a lot of ways you can give this season that involve reaching out to your community and giving to those around you in need instead. As an added bonus, it feels pretty good to give back to your community.
But you don’t just have to take our word for it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are actual health benefits to giving to others this holiday season or at any time of year. Giving can help you both physically and mentally by releasing “feel good” chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
There are plenty of ways you can give to those in need this season by either opening your wallet, your heart, or both! Here are some of our best ideas when it comes to charitable giving this holiday season:
1. Find a Charity Close to Your Heart
There are a lot of charities that need your help and donations. Giving to a charity in memory of a loved one or to a cause you believe in makes the experience of charitable giving even more rewarding. For example, donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of a loved one you’ve lost to the disease would be a wonderful way to pay tribute.
2. Give the Gift of Time
Time is a precious commodity for many of us, so giving the gift of time is just as valuable as monetary donations. Think of local charities that might need an extra set of hands. Whether you choose to work for a local charity like a local emergency or domestic violence shelter or volunteer to make dinner for families of sick children at your closest Ronald McDonald House, giving your time to those who need a little extra help is a wonderful way to give to others.
3. Bring Cheer to Those Who Need It
The holidays can be a rough time for a lot of people who don’t have a family to cherish and celebrate with. There are thousands of elderly people in the country who will not get a visit from a family member this season. Be their surrogate family and spend some time with them at local senior centers and care facilities. Letting someone know that they are not alone during the holiday season could be one of the most beautiful ways for you to spend your time.
4. Appreciate First Responders
Not all of us are heading into the holiday season relishing the idea of some much-needed time away from work. Healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers are just some of the members of our community who will be working just as hard to keep us safe and healthy on holidays. Show your appreciation by dropping off lunch, dinner, or dessert at your local ER, firehouse, or police station.
5. Tip For Service and the Holidays
Delivery drivers and restaurant servers have a busy season ahead of them. A few extra dollars for the people who give us great service and convenience would brighten their day and say “thank you” for everything they do to make your experience a good one.
6. Show Animals Some Love, Too
If you’re an animal lover, there’s no better way to give than to alleviate some of the needs of your local animal shelter. You can donate food, cleaning supplies, and dog and cat toys to help make life at the shelter a little easier until the animals find their forever homes. And if you’re thinking of getting a family pet for Christmas, rescuing a shelter pet could be the best way to give and receive.
7. Give the Gift of Giving to Your Own Family
Do you struggle every year thinking of the perfect gift for someone you love who already has everything? Are you looking for something a little more substantial to give your kids than another toy to fill the toy box? Charitable giving as a gift to your loved ones could be the best answer to let them know you’re thinking of them while also thinking of others. Whether making a donation to their favorite charity in their name or involving them in volunteer work, making giving to others a gift to your family is a great use of money and time.
Are you looking to give back to your community on a larger scale next year? Signet FCU can help you make sure you budget your money wisely to reach that goal through one of our many savings programs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you take control of your finances so you can help those in need all year long.