When you think of the holidays, what do you picture? Extended family gathered around a dinner table with a feast set in front of them? Wrapping gifts while sipping hot chocolate? The truth is, that while many of us are fortunate enough to have these experiences, many of our fellow community members are not.
Whether it be due to job loss, a medical condition or another circumstance, many individuals and families in our community will be without basic necessities this holiday season, let alone the means to have a holiday celebration.
But we can all help. There are some great organizations in our community that we can work through to make the holidays a little brighter for those less fortunate.
Take a look at the list below and identify which good deeds you can do this holiday season.
- Make and serve a meal or holiday treats – cookies and casseroles can be great gifts this time of year. You can provide them for those who don’t have the means or are short on food, you can donate them to a local warming shelter or share them with the local fire or police station as a way of saying “thanks”.
- Pack stockings for the homeless – pick out some inexpensive stockings and fill them with practical items. These can range from food and drink (granola bars, bottles of water, etc.) to gloves, socks and personal hygiene items.
- Donate gently used toys – kids’ toys and games can be pricey. Repurpose your kids’ toys and donate them to children who would love to get them as a Christmas gift.
- Pay a visit to a local nursing home – the holidays can be lonely for elderly people living in nursing homes who don’t have family members nearby. A small visit or gift from a stranger could brighten their day, or even make their entire week.
- “Adopt” a family – there are many ways you can support families in our community. A food pantry would be a good place to start to find out about families in need and how to support them throughout the winter. The Salvation Army is also a great resource to adopt a family and provide parents and children with gifts and necessities to unwrap on Christmas.
- Donate to a food bank – winter, especially in our area, is a difficult part of the year; it is far worse if you don’t have enough food. Food banks and food pantries could put your donation to good use.
- Have family members make a donation in your name – replace one thing on your Christmas list with the wish that in lieu of a present, a donation is made in your name to the charity of your choice.
If any of these ideas strike a chord with you, we encourage you to give a little extra this season to truly brighten someone else’s holiday.
As you enjoy your holiday activities and traditions, remember to think of those who aren’t as fortunate as yourself. Our community is only as strong as we make, so let’s work together to strengthen and uplift those who need it most.
Milledgeville State Bank, Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC