Community Care

Ideas to Inspire Giving Back this Holiday Season

Giving back benefits everyone; it strengthens connections and teaches children the value of community care and support. Use this list as inspiration to create yearly or monthly rituals for volunteering or donating to people, animals, and organizations that are meaningful to you.

There’s no right or wrong way to give, and don't even attempt to do everything on this list. Sometimes we’re the giver, and sometimes we’re the receiver. Not everyone has the capacity to contribute in the same ways right now, and that’s okay.

Giving might look like assembling gift baskets for your local helpers or simply sending a quick email (because I'm millennial and I’m def. not picking up the phone) to your neighborhood firehouse to thank them for their year-round service.

• Collect blankets, food, towels, and supplies for a local animal shelter or rescue group.

• Host a toiletry drive for unhoused neighbors. If you live in a cold climate, include hand warmers, hats, and warm socks. (Locally, the firehouse on Webster collects items!)

• Gather non-perishable food items for local food pantries or make a monetary donation if possible. We love Families in Transition.

• Team up with organizations that support families during the holidays with toy, food, and clothing drives, especially winter gear.

• Find a nonprofit whose mission matters to you and give what you can; a donation or your time.

• Serve a meal or lend a hand at a local community center.

• Volunteer on a local farm; we love Joppa Hill Farm.

• Organize a park or trail clean-up to care for the spaces that care for us.

• Spread anonymous joy by leaving small treats or gifts on your neighbors’ doorsteps.

• Offer to pick up groceries or run errands for a neighbor in need.

• Reach out to nursing homes or retirement communities to see how you can brighten someone’s day or help meet their needs.

• Organize a community toy, clothing or book swap to help families exchange gently used items.

• Support local places of worship that align with your values by donating time or resources.

• Gather friends to assemble care packages for local families who could use extra support.

• Celebrate by giving. Instead of birthday or holiday gifts, consider raising money for an organization in need. (In our family, we do this for our kids’ birthdays in lieu of gifts most years. On average, our community helps us raise over $800 for causes we care about!)

What would you add to this list of ideas?