This holiday season will be unlike any other. While there may be no lines at malls, no Christmas caroling at random places, and not as much family in your house this year, you can still get into the holiday spirit by helping those in need. Read on for a list of places that still need help as the pandemic continues.
Help the troops by sending them gift boxes or cards at AdoptaPlatoon.org. You can create your own gift box full of snacks and letters or anything they might be missing while being deployed. This allows you to stay safe by packing a box or writing a letter from home. You can also donate money to help the organization online on their website or help keep the troops safe by sending them homemade masks. Be sure to check the AdoptaPlatoon website for the list of items you can or cannot send.
During a holiday season where family and cheer might be more difficult to find due to the pandemic, assist those in the area who are struggling to feed their family by volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank. If you feel safe enough to do so, volunteer in-person. Make sure you wear your mask before helping feed those in need. If you want to help feed people during the holidays but don’t want to risk getting sick, then you can donate money to the organization, which helps them buy food in bulk and spread more happiness and meals throughout the community.
Give back closer to home by buying your neighbor’s or family member’s groceries. Using one of the many grocery shopping or food delivery apps available, you can send a nice meal to those close to you or those in need in the Nonahood. Food always connects families and spreads holiday joy.
Another way to help out is donating to the Red Cross. This year has brought many hardships, including a record-breaking hurricane season that has left many people in trouble or in need of basic necessities. Helping those who have suffered from natural disasters or from the coronavirus pandemic is the Red Cross’ specialty.
Lastly, if you aren’t in the position to be able to donate money right now or don’t want to risk getting sick by volunteering your time, there is something simple and easy you can do that is conveniently placed right at your fingertips: utilize social media. On different platforms, you can advertise for organizations that you want to help but don’t have the means to right now. Post on your Instagram stories, or fire off a tweet on Twitter about a charitable organization of your choosing. This is the next best thing to helping, since friends and family who follow you will be able to see the organization and look into it a little more themselves. They might even take the initiative to spread the word, too! Take it a step further by asking your followers to donate on your behalf, or ask others to donate to a certain organization in place of your holiday gift.
