How to Make Charitable Giving a Part of Your Holidays
Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can sometimes be a daunting task. As can figuring how to celebrate the season with colleagues and supervisors—and if you are a business owner, with your clients. One avenue to consider is giving the gift of a donation to their favorite cause.
Incorporating charitable giving into your holiday traditions can enrich the season, fostering a spirit of generosity and community. As we celebrate with family, friends, and coworkers, we can also extend our hands to those in need. Here are some meaningful ways to make charitable giving a part of your holiday celebrations.
Supporting Charitable Organizations Through the Holidays
- Establish a Giving Tradition
Creating a family tradition around charitable giving can instill values of compassion and generosity in future generations. Set aside time each year to choose a charity together. This could involve discussing the causes that mean the most to each family member, whether it’s supporting local food banks, animal shelters, or global initiatives. You can make a donation as a family to that cause.
Making this a regular part of your holiday routine reinforces the importance of giving back. It might even be nice for the younger generations to hold small fundraisers to cover the cost of the donation.
- Volunteer as a Family
While monetary gifts are always appreciated by nonprofit organizations, your time can make a difference, too. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to give back. Gather your family and choose a local organization where you can volunteer together.
Whether you decide to serve meals at a shelter, participate in a community cleanup, or help at a food drive, working side by side can deepen family bonds while also making a positive impact.
- Make a Donation in Someone’s Name
Instead of traditional gifts, consider making a donation to a charity in honor of a family member or friend. Choose a cause that reflects their interests or values, and let them know about the donation with a thoughtful card explaining the impact of their gift. This gesture not only supports those in need but also reinforces the spirit of giving during the holidays.
- Create Care Packages
Gathering supplies to create care packages for those in need is a hands-on way to give back. Organize a family assembly line to pack items like hygiene products, warm clothing, and nonperishable food. Consider distributing these packages to local shelters or community organizations. The act of creating and delivering care packages can instill gratitude and empathy in everyone involved.
- Shop at Local Businesses That Support a Cause
Many local businesses give back to the community through charitable initiatives. By shopping at these establishments during the holidays, you can contribute to local charities while supporting the economy. Look for businesses that donate a percentage of their sales to causes you care about. This way, your holiday shopping can make a double impact.
- Set Up a Giving Tree
A giving tree is a wonderful visual representation of the spirit of giving. Set up a tree and have family members hang tags listing the charitable organizations they’d like other family members to donate to in their honor. This can be especially useful for younger children, who often receive an abundance of holiday gifts. You can donate monetary gifts or check with the charity to see what supplies they might need.
- Share Your Experiences on Social Media
In the spirit of encouraging others, share your charitable giving experiences on social media. Highlight the organizations you support, the events you participate in, or the impact of your family’s giving traditions. By sharing these experiences, you might inspire others to make charitable giving a part of their own holiday celebrations.
One final tip is to use an organization such as Great Nonprofits or Charity Navigator to learn more about the agency before donating. You’ll be able to read reviews from other donors and explore the nonprofit’s mission and goals.
More Holiday Gift Ideas
If you’d like more ideas to finish up your shopping, this holiday gift guide might be of interest. You’ll find suggestions for friends, family, and even the boss!