Five ways to give back for the holidays

Help families in need feel good this holiday season

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There are plenty of ways to donate during the holiday season; online, in person or through a phone call. (Photo via Freepik)

There are many ways to give back to the community this Christmas. Donating will make a social impact and encourage others to do the same. You will also be providing support to organizations and nonprofits that continue to help people in need.  Here are five top places that accept donations.

  1. Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots provides a multitude of ways to donate to children. According to the Toys for tots website they have distributed 19,557 toys to children and 6,045 children were supported. The first way to donate is to drop off toys at select locations that are found on their website. You can also sign up to be a drop location for others to bring toys to. If you are not able to psychically buy toys they give you the ability to donate online. Lastly, if you can’t donate and need toys, the website allows you to apply for toys for the holidays. 

 

  2. Donate free Christmas trees to families

The Christmas Tree Santas works with nonprofits by helping families in need by providing them with free Christmas trees. They partner with Home Depot and have many other sponsors supporting them. According to the Christmas Tree Santas website, they have given over 14,000 trees away to families who were in need. They accept donations online and a $30 donation represents one tree that a family will have. 

 

   3. The Family Giving Tree

The Family Giving Tree is a nonprofit that grants families wishes. You can pick up wish cards at different locations to grant a child’s wish. However, if you are not able to make it to any of the locations you can also do it virtually. The website allows you to choose a category, gender, age and price. If you buy the gift online, they will take care of the rest for you. If you do not want to buy any toys in person or virtually you can always donate any amount online towards the nonprofit or start a fundraiser. 

 

  4.  Purchase holiday cards for sick children with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude’s Research Hospital allows anyone to donate holiday cards. According to St. Jude’s website after purchasing a card, this will help ensure families will not receive a bill for anything. The cards come in packs of 10 and they are based on artwork done by patients. Donations can be customized and/or anonymous. 

 

   5.  The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army donates to everyone around the world. According to the Salvation Army website, they have a commitment to diversity, invest in communities, build programs and are a part of the universal Christian Church. They have different events like Giving Tuesday where they support people in different communities. You are also able to read stories to gain inspiration. They allow you to donate in person and give directly, on the website. Furthermore, you can go to your local participating Walmart where they set up Angel Tree Donations and you can shop for Christmas gifts off of a wish list. If you donate toys through the Angel Tree they will drop off the toys to families on Christmas morning.