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If you’re looking for some ideas on where to start, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of volunteering and donating resources just for you. The holidays are an excellent time to give back– I suggest choosing something as a family and then spending time to reflect and give thanks after the experience.<\/p>\n
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Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, it kind of kicks off the season of giving. This year that day is November 29th. Check out their website<\/a> for some awesome ways to volunteer or donate in your community. I’m planning on a #givingtuesday Instagram challenge, so stay tuned.<\/p>\n So many families are struggling just to make ends meat, so giving their children a magical Christmas and a full belly is out of the question. Well, not so fast. There are ways you can help. Check out this site<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0adopt a family in need this season. You will be giving them a wonderful gift and letting them know that there are people who care.<\/p>\n This is always a crowd pleaser. It gets you and your family right in the heart of the homeless epidemic, humanizing those faces you drive by on your way to the grocery store. It’s a great way to learn about empathy and compassion, as well as, an opportunity to count your many blessings. \u00a0The National Coalition for the Homeless<\/a>\u00a0is a great place to start to see where you can help out in your community.<\/p>\n Toys for Tots is still going strong and is hugely popular with kids. You will see your own kids light up when they are able to feel responsible for giving a gift to another child. Just choose a card off the tree, normally located at your nearest mall, and go shopping for that item. Allow this to be a way to open up a conversation with your kids about those that have less than them. \u00a0It’s a beautiful way to teach them about the power of kindness. For more information on Toys for Tots in your area click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n As someone who used to be a caseworker for kids between 13-18, this is something super close to my heart. These are the kids who often get over looked during the holidays. A great way to give to these kids is to look up your local Independent Living Program. This program is designed to help foster youth transition from foster care to the real world. You can also contact any foster care agency in your community. During the holidays these programs are always looking for donated gifts. Often a gift card and a few supplies that would be useful in their own (future) apartment (towels, linens, cookware, microwave) is the way to go. Even better if you can add an age appropriate personal touch for them to open.<\/p>\n Meals on Wheels has been helping local seniors stay independent since it’s conception in Philadelphia in 1954. It is now in nearly every community across the United States! This program provides healthy meals to our aging neighbors and allows for them to socialize with the volunteers–a blessing to so many who live in isolation. Just go to their website<\/a>\u00a0and you can easily find your local chapter and sign up to volunteer.<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
Sponsor a family in need<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Serve food at your local homeless shelter<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Give a gift to child in need<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Donate to older foster youth<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Meals on Wheels<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Spend time with a senior<\/span><\/h4>\n