With the bombings in Paris this past weekend, hundreds of people's lives were changed forever in a matter of seconds. Although this tragedy happened an ocean away, I couldn't help but feel helpless and heartbroken for these people. When thinking about what I could do to help, I also started to think of all the people that need help in the U.S. and whose lives I could better. So many people in the U.S. are hungry, homeless and lonely. Many of them have fought their own tragedies and need our support. I usually find myself having an urge to give back during the holiday season. If you are feeling the same way, here are 11 great ways that you can make a difference.
1. Help Paris | Donate to the Red Cross. The Red Cross is able to hire volunteers to help, but can only do so with our support. In addition, donate to Secours Catholique-Caritas France or French Secours Populaire. These organizations provide aid during emergencies.
2. Sit with somebody who looks lonely | When I attend church, I always see people who are sitting by themselves. I am sure that you have noticed this at restaurants or at coffee shops. Make an effort to talk to these people. Nobody should feel alone over the holidays, and this is one way to really make a difference in somebody's life.
3. Visit Nursing Homes | Going off of number two, make a visit to a nursing home. Many senior citizens are lonely and would love to have company. In addition, some of the greatest advice comes from people who have a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom.
4. Pick an organization to support | When I was younger, my Dad would always tell me and my siblings to pick a charity organization that we cared about and he would make a donation in our name. This could be the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Association, or anything that you want. We all have diseases and issues that have touched our lives.
5. Pay it Forward | Pay for somebody's Starbucks when you are in line, leave a generous tip for a waitress, or deliver a meal to a homeless person. There are many small opportunities to brighten somebody's day and holiday season.
6. Clean Out Your Closet | We all have clothes that we don't use just sitting in our closets. Remember that there are homeless people all over the U.S. who are struggling to stay warm this winter! Your extra winter coat or jeans could make a huge difference for someone.
7. Adopt a Family | The Salvation Army runs this amazing Adopt-a-Family program. They match you with an impoverished family and you plan an entire Christmas for them. Basically you shop for Christmas presents from their wish list and then you deliver them Christmas morning.
8. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen | This seems to be the first thing that comes to mind when I think of volunteering over the holidays. This is because the most valuable ways to give back involve being able to interact with the people you're helping. In addition, you'll leave with an appreciation for your own food on your table.
9. Adopt an Animal | Let's not forget that animals need homes too. There are so many cats and dogs in need, and the holidays are a great time to adopt an animal.
10. Wishes-to-Flight | Is there anything more heartbreaking than a child who is diagnosed with cancer? This holiday season, donate to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation's program Wishes-to-Flight where you can donate your air miles to someone to grant their wish.
11. Spend Time with Your Family | Lastly, give back to the people who have blessed you with your life. Every struggle that I went through this year, my family was there to help. Let's not forget to give back to the people who love us the most.
There are so many ways to give back this holiday season, and I think that giving back will leave you feeling a little less helpless. Giving back will show you that although there is evil in the world, there is also a lot of good.
Happy Thanksgiving and Season of Giving!
