Simple and Low-Cost Ways to Give Back This Holiday

Organize a Food Drive

Enlist your neighbors in your effort to give back and offer to handle logistics. Pass out fliers with suggested donation items, your drop-off time and the organization where you will deliver the donations on your block’s behalf. This can easily be done while practicing social distancing with staggered drop-off times, and simply setting up a table on your driveway where people can drop off their items while practicing social distancing.

Check in with an Old Friend

Take the time to reconnect with an old friend by writing a letter to someone you’ve lost touch with. You'll both feel good!

Think About the Animals!

Donate used blankets, towels food, litter, or toys to a local animal shelter.

Give Back to Our Planet

Challenge yourself to adopt an earth-friendly habit for a week, month or the entire holiday season. Using your own reusables, such as travel mugs and cloth shopping bags, can go a long way. Use newspaper to wrap presents and get creative with reducing your waste over the holiday!

Treat Local Firefighters and Front-Line Workers

Treat the hard-working individuals of our local fire stations or hospital with some unexpected treats to say thanks.

Feed Hunger

Make a brown bag meal or two for the homeless. Check with organizations for guidance on what their clients need most. Warm socks and travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste and hand soap are often greatly appreciated. A little goes a long way.

The Gift of Life

Donate blood!

Random Giveaways

Break $5, $10 or $20 into dollar bills and give them away throughout the day to those who could use a buck. Maybe it's just buying a coffee to the person behind you in line, or someone standing on the street. Perhaps even lend an ear and listen to their story. You just might change the course of someone’s day with your generosity.

Pay it Forward with Bus Passes

Purchase bus transit passes that can be used any time, and head on down to the bus station and hand the passes out to individuals who could use a break.

Spread the Words

Donate your gently loved books to those in need of a good read, like nursing homes and shelters.

Give Your Undivided Attention

Unplug from technology for a couple hours per day and give full focus to your children, significant other, friends, pets and even yourself.

Throw Down a Charity Challenge

Share this post on social media along with ways you are giving back. Then challenge your friends and followers to do the same.