We have officially entered the holiday season. Everyone is beginning to prepare for Thanksgiving, shopping for holiday presents and buying their tickets to see their loved ones. Now, more than ever, is the time of year we should remember that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and we should start to look for ways to give back to our community. Here are sixways to get involved, give back and make someone feel loved.

1. Collect cans of food and deliver them to your local foodbank

It's easy to do your own food drive! Call your local foodbank and ask them what items they are in need of, gather some friends, post on social media, just do something!

2. Participate in a coat drive

There are so many children who don't have access to warm clothing this winter. Clean out your closets and donate your gently-used warm clothing (or even buy something brand new) to a local coat drive. The children will be so incredibly grateful for these warm items when it starts to get cold.

3. Adopt a soldier

This is obviously something very personal to me (if you've read my other articles). There are a lot of servicemen and women out there who don't have people at home to send them even a card this holiday season. Websites like AAUSSand Soldier's Angelsare great ways to adopt a soldier and give back to those who give so much.

4. Adopt a family

You can adopt a family through the Salvation Army and receive their family wishlist at the beginning of the season. Or, most towns and offices will have an Angel Tree where you can pick a name and receive their wishlist.

5. Pay it forward

This is a recent trend, at least in my community, where the car in front will pay for the car behind them's meal. It's such a small and simple little gesture but it's sure to make someone smile.

6. Make a charitable donation in someone's name

Does your loved one have a favorite charity? Make a donation in their name! Most places have a spot on their forms to donate in someone's name.