It's finally November, meaning the holiday season is among us. While I'm struggling to keep my thoughts focused on school work instead of family, gifts, breaks and holiday meals, I am reminded that this is the season of giving, too.
During the rest of the year, we seem to forget that some people aren't as fortunate as others. But, during the fall and winter seasons, the spirit of giving seems to resonate among us.
Here are six easy ways to give back and get into the habit of giving for the rest of the year.
1. Donate blood
The American Red Cross offers blood drives all over the country every day. One search, and you'll find a blood drive in or near your town in seconds.
Giving blood is an easy way to give back to those in need. Blood is constantly needed in the medical field for patients with all kinds of medical difficulties. After your body loses blood, it regenerates it back in 24 to 48 hours. In one hour, you can literally save a person's life.
2. Volunteer
Setting up a time to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter or retirement home is simple and usually results in meeting some fantastic people and genuinely having a good time. What do you have to lose?
3. Donate your clothes
Take a Saturday afternoon when you're procrastinating on your homework and go through your closet. You'll be surprised at the amount of middle school clothes you still have. Local thrift shops and Goodwills want your gentle used clothes, and who doesn't want an excuse to buy more clothes?
4. Participate in a 5K for charity
At least once a month, in or near almost any city, there is a 5K raising money for hospitals, nonprofits, research organizations, or medical research. Sign up for one and raise the money from your family and friends.
5. Support a soldier
A Million Thanks is an organization that allows you to send letters to troops overseas. The holiday season is especially rough for these soldiers, and a simple thanks could make their day. Find out more at www.amillionthanks.org/.
6. Visit a children's hospital
Many hospitals allow volunteers to come in a spend time with the children there. Buy some construction paper and take a few hours to go in and spend some time letting them color and make crafts. Lifting one's spirits during a hard time is such an easy way to give back to your community.
There are six cost-free ways to give back this holiday season, but they can also be ways to get into the habit of giving back all year long. People struggle all year, not just during the holidays. Try one of these out, and you might just find something you'll love doing for years to come.
