Remember the moral of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? It’s a beautiful story to remind everyone of essentially one thing: We should all strive to do good since we all die someday. Material things will fade into oblivion, but the positive impact we have on other lives and the community around us will live into eternity. This is an inspirational idea that I try to carry in my heart and mind every holiday season.
Now I’m hoping to share this inspiration with you.
This Christmas and holiday season, give back to your community by volunteering. You’ll realize that people less fortunate than you really do exist. Take it from me, there’s a special kind of fulfillment and warmth in your heart that comes from giving love to a complete stranger so they have a better Christmas. It’s satisfaction beyond any type of typical gift giving or donation. Not only do you do good for the world, you can set a great example for children, make friends and sharpen your professional and social skills.
There are hundreds of opportunities during Christmas to volunteer for schools, community organizations, religious centers or other non-profits. Below I’ve listed a couple ideas to get you inspired (which are my personal favorites to give time to):
- Volunteer as a Salvation Army bell ringer: You see them everywhere during the holiday season and it’s due to the efforts of volunteers like yourself!
- Visit a nursing home: Believe it or not, many elderly people don’t get visitors during the holidays. Though it may seem like it could be a potentially awkward situation, elderly patrons really do appreciate it. Collect a group of friends, bring some refreshments, relax and enjoy yourself.
- Help assemble care packages for our soldiers overseas
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen: The homeless population always seems to go up during the cold winter months which makes it even more important that your local shelter receives all the support and helping hands they need to accommodate this rise.
- Join The Holiday Project: It’s a national non-profit dedicated to organizing volunteers to visit people spending Christmas and the holidays stuck in retirement homes, hospitals, prisons and other places.
To search for specific local opportunities, the following are some good websites:
- Make A Wish: Enter your location and fill out the questionnaire; they’ll find opportunities that are right for you.
- Volunteer Match: Helps you locate local charities that are in need of volunteers for the holidays and beyond.
Volunteer this season with laughter and happiness in your heart!
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