Spreading Cheer- How you can make your community Merry and Bright

It’s not uncommon to associate the holidays with nostalgic excitement and merry magic. For many of us, we have been blessed with the freedom to celebrate this time of year without worry or dread. 

Yet, for many others, the holidays can be a season of uncertainty, where the basics we take for granted feel out of reach. This contrast is exactly why the spirit of giving matters so deeply.

Why donate? 

Compassion is what makes us human. We must remember that, despite the commercialization of the holiday season, the beauty and magic of this time stems from the love and care that we are all eager to spread. 

Nonprofits selflessly work to fill gaps in food, housing, clothing, and educational insecurity. These organizations are built on kindness. They exist because people believe in caring for one another, especially when life becomes heavy. And when you choose to support a nonprofit, whether by donating, volunteering, or sharing their message, you become part of that kindness.

How can I help? 

Nonprofits are always looking for assistance to further their selfless mission of supporting and spreading compassion and empathy. 

Sound like something you’d want to take part in? 

Here are a few ways you can help: 

Donate

The most common way to support a nonprofit is to support it financially. Nonprofits run on donations from generous hearts in the community, and you can be the reason someone gets clothes or a warm meal this winter. 

Volunteer: 

If you’d like to be more involved, volunteering is a beautiful way to offer your time, your hands, and your heart. Nonprofits often need help with serving meals, sorting donations, assisting at events, caring for animals, or simply being present for someone who needs a friendly face. Even an hour can make a difference.

Creating care packages: 

Create care packages filled with essentials like socks, hygiene items, snacks, hand warmers, and a kind note. (Be sure to follow regulations on your nonprofit’s website to ensure that your package is following guideline requirements.) 

Where can I help? 

Depending on your location, your local nonprofit list will vary.  

However, there are some very well-known, widespread organizations that you can help during this time of year. 

American Red Cross 

The American Red Cross responds to disasters, supports military families, provides emergency shelter, and saves lives through blood donations. Giving blood is one of the most direct, selfless gifts you can offer, especially during the winter months when donations tend to drop. 

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers food, shelter, rehabilitation programs, holiday assistance, and essential resources for families and individuals in crisis. A simple donation here can spread warmth to someone who truly needs it.

Local food banks, homeless shelters/ resource centers, and youth/family support programs are other wonderful organizations to dedicate time and money to. 

Special Spotlight: K9 

And, of course, a very warm shout-out to New Life K9s. 

This nonprofit trains service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD while also transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals who help train them.

Consider donating this year. 

A contribution here helps our heroes and their furry friends; both ends of the leash. 

See past the freshly baked pies on windowsills this year. Helping those who need it will fill much more than your stockings; you’ll fill someone’s holiday season with compassion and love-stuffed turkeys.