One of the best ways to get in touch with the true spirit of the holiday season is to give back. Better yet, to give back as a family. While monetary donations are a wonderful and much needed way of giving back, it’s hard to share that experience with your children. But volunteering time and working together to create something for people in need is likely to leave a lasting impression on your child.
Make a Blanket
Source: projectlinus.org
Project Linus distributes new, handmade blankets to children in hospitals, shelters and social service agencies. You can find patterns on their website. If your family’s sewing skills are minimal, then a no sew fleece tie blanket is great project that everyone can participate in.
Volunteer at a Food Bank
Source: feedingamerica.org
Many people donate food around the holidays, but if there aren’t enough volunteers to actually get the food distributed then some of it can go to waste. Contact your local food bank for volunteer opportunities near you.
Send Season’s Greetings
Source: hugsandhopes.org
Websites like Send Kids The World and Hugs and Hope have a directory of sick children who could use a little cheering up. Read their stories and then create postcards or greeting cards to mail in time for the holidays.
Host a Coat Drive
Source: onewarmcoat.org
One Warm Coat encourages youth led coat drives. Their Kids Who Care program even has a set of learning objectives and three-week lesson plan to coincide with the coat drive.
Send a Military Care Package
Source: ourmilitary.mil
At this point, it won’t get there by Christmas, but our overseas troops could use a care package any time of year. The Department of Defense has a list of organizations that can help you get started.
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