Around this time of year, we are often reminded about the importance of giving and helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is important to remember that not every family can feed their children every night, afford to buy them clothes or even get them gifts for the holidays. Something that in this area seems far from reality is actually what around 115 million people have to deal with every day and especially this year due to the pandemic.

A great way to help those who are struggling this year when it comes to not being able to provide food for themselves and their families is donating to your local food bank. Whether that be you start a food drive at your school or your local grocery store or finding a food bank to donate directly to, these donations truly make a difference in the lives of the people receiving the donations. According to impactingourfuture.com,  “These non-profits provide children with meals to fuel their growth, parents with groceries to fill the cupboards and seniors with the nutrition they need to stay strong”. Food banks make such a huge impact on communities and people who are suffering and I recommend locating the food bank closest to you and donating any food that you can to help those who are struggling this season.

The holidays often mean giving gifts for a lot of people, but many people struggle with being able to provide their child with the magic of the holidays. Every parent should be able to allow their child to experience the spirit of the holidays and a great way to help them do this is by supporting and donating to Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots states that “At Christmas, Coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community”. Anything that you think would make a child smile on Christmas day is perfect to donate and it doesn’t have to be super expensive! They take everything from books to puzzles and games which are all easy things that you can donate that will mean a lot to any child. It really warms my heart thinking that by donating a couple of toys, I can make a difference in these children’s lives. 

Coats are pretty expensive but are something that people in this area don’t really think about. Of course we have a winter coat for the winter! Well, we need to step back and realize that this is not the case for everyone. Helping and supporting organizations that have goals to give children new winter coats is another amazing thing that you can do this holiday season. One great organization that has an amazing mission is Operation Warm. Their goal is to “provide warmth, confidence, and hope to children in need through the gift of brand-new winter coats. Through serving millions of children in need across North America, we have seen that a brand-new coat offers a child physical and emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future”. A coat can make a major difference in a child’s life and by donating either a brand new coat or your old winter coat, you will be able to give a child all of the things that Operation Warm is working towards which I think is pretty amazing.

Yes, this time of year is fun because of all the gifts that we get to receive but let’s try and remember to also give this season. Whether that be by donating food, toys, or coats, anything that you decide to do will make a true difference in someone’s life.