by Mandy Crum

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

The holidays are a perfect time to think of others. With television and radio ads pushing this toy or that luxurious leather jacket, it is very easy to get lost in the commercial aspect of Christmas. That's why it is especially important to remember those who are less fortunate and to think of ways to give back to the community.

There are several easy ways to achieve this. For instance, many businesses offer food and clothing drives that begin in November and end after Christmas. Charities that collect these donations include Toys For Tots, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and smaller organizations such as God's Pantry. Many shopping malls also offer a place to drop off these goods during the holidays, which is convenient for shoppers who are pressed for time, and The Salvation Army also stations volunteers outside several businesses to collect spare change and other monetary donations.

You might also check with The Salvation Army to see if they have the names of needy children in your town during the holidays. Many branches of this charity are happy to give out the first name, age, clothing size, and toy preference of a child who wouldn't otherwise have a Christmas. This is an especially easy way to give back, as you can simply pick things up for the child while you are shopping for your own family, and The Salvation Army offers several convenient locations for gift drop-offs. In most cases, you won't even have to wrap the gift! Simply bag up the items and attach the child's name to the outside.

Another way to give back to your community is to volunteer to help these charities, or you can spend time at a nursing home. Most of us have trouble finding the time to get everything done in time for the holidays-between cooking, cleaning, and preparing for house guests-but even giving up one or two hours a week is greatly appreciated by the people in charge of these organizations. Sadly, many senior citizens don't have family members close by and are forced to spend the holidays alone. By simply talking to them - and listening - you are giving a valuable gift that costs you nothing.

If you have children, you might volunteer to bring party supplies to their school during the holidays, or offer to help make decorations. There are so many ways to give back; but remember, the holidays only come once a year. Perhaps we should all find the time to volunteer and give to charities year-round.

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