by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: December 30, 2010   Last Updated: December 31, 2010

Your community is your home. It is the place your heart is. Keeping strong ties to your community is important. It shows that you care. There are many ways that you can give back to your community during the holidays (or any day for that matter.)

Host a toy drive.

There are many area businesses that will be glad to help with a toy drive. Talk to your friends and family members and get everyone you can to donate one child’s toy. Deliver them to a local children’s home or needy families in your area.

Visit local nursing homes or hospitals.

Many elderly people and those in hospitals are spending their holidays alone. You don’t have to let it be that way. Brighten someone’s day with a visit or a Christmas card. Even strangers can say “Merry Christmas”.

Adopt a Christmas child.

If your town has an angel tree or other Christmas program for needy children, be a part of it. All you have to do is draw one name and shop for one child. You could be making their holiday.

Donate items you don’t need.

Things you don’t use or need could be important to someone else. Take this time to clean out closets and spare rooms. Donate gently used items to local thrift stores or homeless shelters.

Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

Help is always needed at local shelters. It’s not hard work either and it’s rewarding. You get to brighten someone’s day just by lending a hand. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see that things aren’t as easy as you may sometimes think.

Go caroling.

Share your joy with the world. Sing about it. Form a group of neighbors and go caroling. Even if your singing voice is terrible, have fun with it. Bring back an old tradition. You will be glad you did.

Give the gift of cash.

If you have it and can afford it, cash is always a good way to help. There are many places this holiday season looking for your donation. Research local churches, children’s charities, and other areas of interest until you find one that suits you.

Helping the community isn’t a chore. It’s something that can be fun for the whole family. You can even make a new family tradition out of whatever you choose to do. There is no better feeling than the one that you get from helping others.

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