While the easiest way to help those less fortunate is often as simple as dropping loose change into the Salvation Army kettle or into someone's hands, this is perhaps not always the case. When every spare coin is accounted for, people need another way to show charity to the homeless, the ill, the elderly and the poor.
Holiday Idea Tip – Gifts for Panhandlers and the Homeless
Many people feel reluctant to give spare change to panhandlers on city streets or transportation lines. Often, they are concerned that the money will not be spent on food or shelter but on drugs or alcohol. If this is a concern, one idea is to stock up on inexpensive gloves, hats and socks at the discount store to dole out when panhandlers approach for cash.
As the winter grows colder, these people do not often have access to warmer clothing. Goodwill and other "thrift stores" still charge a small fee, even to the homeless, which renders their goods inaccessible to the people who need them the most.
Instead of donating clothing to a thrift store that will resell it, try to donate the goods to a shelter where they will be distributed among the people there without additional cost.
Charity Tip – Helping Someone Who is Sick
If a family friend is ill, undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, or some other treatment, it is hard to know the best ways to help. Sometimes, the most caring way to offer assistance is just that: offer assistance.
For example, Cleaning for a Reason organizes a local maid service to provide a free housecleaning once a month for four months for any woman receiving cancer treatment. Often, the household responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning are simply left undone in households struggling with cancer, particularly if mom is the one who needs rest and recuperation.
Offers to bring over a casserole the family can share, or to clean a neighbors house may be refused, but if the offer is sincere, the family will know exactly to whom they can turn in times of need.
How to Help Others – Keep Someone Company
Often, the elderly in extended-care homes are lonely on the holidays. A friendly family pet can bring cheer to children's wards at hospitals and nursing homes. Playing a musical instrument for residents can bring cheer and fun to a lonely place, children caroling can also fill a space with life. No gifts are necessary, just time and compassion.
Consider asking at the front desk if there is someone in particular who would appreciate a visit.
Volunteering Time to Churches, Soup Kitchens and Other Charities
If a family does not belong to a particular faith or church, it can be hard to locate places that are seeking volunteers. Large organizations, such as the United Way, can coordinate and help pair up volunteers with work opportunities.
Find out if there is a website online where listings are posted. For example, in the Atlanta metropolitan area, there is an organization called Hands on Atlanta that allows volunteers to use an airline-style reservation service to select the location and time of their volunteer work.
Giving Back to the Community – Clear Clutter and Do Good
Have kids clear out their toy boxes to select toys they have grown out of to donate to needy families. Outgrown coats, hats, gloves and boots are also ideal items to give away.
Remodeling items and tools can be donated to Habitat for Humanity either for reuse in their homes, or to be sold in their ReStore to benefit the cause.
Even leftover holiday decorations can be donated to charities providing help for veterans or families who lost their homes in fires prior to the holidays.
Used books can be donated to literacy volunteer groups for annual book sales and learning opportunities.
There are myriad ways to help others over the holidays, money is just one small answer. Get creative!
Please leave a comment if there is an idea missing here.
HOL101
Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
