For many people, the holidays are a time to come together, give thanks and share joy. That makes this season a perfect time to get involved with your community and spread a little holiday cheer.
Whether you're catching up with family or spending time with friends, giving back together can be a truly special way to connect with loved ones. Here are five ideas to get started.
Donate to Your Local Homeless Shelter
Sadly, more than half a million people across the U.S. experience homelessness every year. For those without a regular source of warmth and shelter, the holidays can be extremely challenging.
Donations of money, goods or services can make a huge impact. Seek out your local homeless shelter and see how you can help. Along with funds, many need items like clean, good-quality clothing and food. Team up with friends or family to collect resources or compete to raise the most money.
Use GivePulse to search for an organization near you and see how you can get involved.
Ask For Donations in Place of Gifts
The best gift of all is giving back! Instead of swapping presents this year, pick a cause close to your heart. Then, encourage your friends to do the same and make meaningful donations on behalf of one another.
Not only will you feel good, but you'll learn something new about the people you care most about — and cut down on unwanted holiday clutter!
If you're unsure where to begin, GivePulse is a great place to search for causes and make online donations.
Run for a Cause
Many people use the holiday season to reflect on their goals for the upcoming year. Get fit and help others by signing up for a fun run or marathon.
From turkey trots to Santa runs, there are plenty of charity races to choose from during the holidays. Double the fun by challenging your friends or coworkers to get involved and raise money for local causes.
Are you looking for something a little more relaxing? You can also volunteer at these events to help with set-up, marshaling or cheering on the runners.
Spend a Day at a Nursing Home or Hospice
While the holiday season brings people together, it can be a lonely time of year for those who are missing their loved ones.
Try spending a day at a nursing home or hospice this holiday season. You can visit and talk to the residents, help with scheduled activities or spend some quality time together.
Are you volunteering as a family? Bring your kids along, too! It's a great way to spend time together and brighten someone's day!
Participate in a Toy Drive
For those struggling financially, the holidays can be a difficult time. But everyone deserves the opportunity to celebrate! Look for local opportunities to donate toys and presents to families in need. Then team up with friends or neighbors to gather and deliver gifts.
Many organizations, including grocery stores and major retailers, have donation drop spots during the holidays.
Can't find an opportunity near you? Join forces with an established organization like Toys for Tots to make a neighborhood business a local drop-off location.
GivePulse Helps You Give Back
The hustle and bustle of the season can make it easy to forget what the holidays are all about. But at GivePulse, we know there is no better way to spread joy than by volunteering and donating together.
We designed our platform to make it easy for you to lift up your community. From donating funds and in-kind gifts to sharing your time and talent, it takes minutes to search, find and sign up for opportunities near you.
Are you ready to give joy this holiday season? Use GivePulse to search for volunteering or giving opportunities near you!
About GivePulse
GivePulse's mission is to enable everyone in the world to participate and engage in lifting their community to new heights. We do so by providing a platform to list, find, organize and measure the impact of service-learning, community engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and volunteerism.
Founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, GivePulse works with 650,000+ groups, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, K-12/school districts and cities and municipalities. Together, we connect millions of people in an effort to create positive social change.
Start making a difference today by visiting www.givepulse.com.