Getting Involved this Holiday Season
In cultures across the world, many celebrations symbolize giving between families and friends. As the United States nears it most advertised and known holiday season, it is the perfect time for people of all ages to give, not only to their families, but also to their community. Fortunately, as the country has grown, there is a multitude of easy ways to get involved and help your community.
As the holiday season approaches, cold weather is starting to flood the country, which impacts the homeless most of all. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in January 2015, over 500,000 people were part of the homelessness epidemic in the United States. The population of homeless people fluctuates greatly throughout the country, but no matter where you are, you can help these folks in many ways. You can donate clothing to a local shelter or with the help of an adult, start your own clothing donation box, collecting winter clothes, new or used. You can also search the internet for the closest food shelter, and donate non-perishable food items like canned soup, or boxed foods. You can also find out what foods your shelter needs the most.
The holidays also embody joy, which can be found in gifts, food, and company. Assisted living homes normally house elders who need a little extra help with everyday life. Quite often, these elders live far away from their families, who they might not see this holiday season. You can give them the gift of company, simply by going to say hi. Use the internet or ask an adult where an assisted living home is located, and you can spend time with people that live there. If there is not an assisted living home near you, nursing homes or senior centers love visitors too. It can be a little frightening to visit strangers, but remember that these people are just like you- they also want to celebrate the holidays with friends; ask about their families, play cards or read magazines together. Many times, people want company more than anything else.
Not only can you give to the community, but you can also ask others to give for you! Have you ever seen a commercial or an ad for a charity that really persuaded you? Not everyone has extra money to put aside for charity, but some people do, and you can ask them to raise money with you. Ask you parent or guardian to send an email out to their co-workers and friends asking to donate to a charity of your choice in your name, instead of giving a gift to your family this year. This way, the giving can extend to more families.
Although the holidays are a great way to get involved, remember that you can help your community year-round. Take the joy that you get from the holidays, and extend it out to others for a bright holiday season!