Impactful Giving at the Holidays

Updated November 2018: New links for this year.

Let me start by saying that ALL volunteering is important and impactful. But at the holidays, people tend to want to go a little deeper. I was recently asked what I suggest people do around the holidays to make the most difference. That's a loaded question. It depends who, or what, you want to focus on. My biggest suggestion is to think about what is important to you during this time of year and start there.

For me, the holidays are about family and friends. I enjoy traditions, getting to spend time with the people who are important in my life and relaxing in the comfort of my home. Many people in our community don't have family and friends surrounding them and/or don't have a stable place to find comfort in. Below are my personal favorite three ways to give, time of year. I would love to hear what some of your favorite ways to volunteer are in the comments.

Photo from the Charlotte Rescue Mission

(1) Deliver Meals

I love working at the local food bank sorting food or making lunches for neighbors at a homeless shelter. But at the holidays, I enjoy celebrating the community of food. Food can represent more than just nourishment. For me, the preparing of holiday meals together and gathering to eat with loved ones is just as important as the food itself. Get out of the kitchen and go interact with people. Many organizations have planned community dinners needing extra hands or smiling faces, while others deliver holiday meals in the community and are looking for drivers. Charlotte Rescue Mission is a great option in Charlotte.

(2) Spend Quality Time

I have organized and participated in countless volunteering activities over the years. Hands-down, there is one event that I still get comments about. Numerous people told me that the day I planned for them at Moore Place (the permanent housing for Urban Ministry Center) was life-changing. They spent the afternoon doing karaoke and playing board games with the chronically homeless. The opportunity to have human connection, especially during this time of year, is essential. Apply this to whatever you are passionate about. Charlotte Family Housing has a need for people to host movie nights for the families they serve. Don't forget nursing homes and other places for the elderly. They love getting visitors, especially kids. 

(3) Help Put Gifts Under a Tree

Giving parents, or caregivers, the ability to give their children gifts is invaluable. Numerous organizations host Angel Trees or toy drives. To get even more involved, spend time working an event that helps get the gifts into the hands of these special people. One of my favorites locally is the Jubilee Store that benefits the families of Charlotte Family Housing. You can sign up to help adults shop, wrap gifts or spread holiday joy during this year's store: Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th.