The holiday season is upon us, and it certainly is the most wonderful time of the year! It is a time to be with loved ones and express our gratitude for all that has been given to us. Each year, I tend to reflect upon what I am grateful for, yet I take no action. This year I have been feeling more blessed than usual, and I have decided it’s time to spread my blessings to those in need. If you are able to read this article in the first place, I am going to assume you have been blessed as well, seeing as how you are either on a computer or smartphone. I challenge all of us to reach out to our communities this season to give back, big or small.

1. Toys for Tots

When I was younger, I remember getting toy store catalogs in the mail early December. Nothing made me more excited for Christmas. My parents would tell us to circle the ones we wanted, and I would spend the entire month waiting to eagerly tear through my presents. Now that I am an adult, toys are out of the question. I get excited for kitchen supplies and new underwear. However, if you haven’t strolled down a toy aisle in recent years, you’re missing out. Imagine bringing the same excitement you would feel on Christmas morning to a child who ordinarily wouldn’t receive presents. Toys for Tots is a program started and run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Their donation bins are in most malls and superstores, making it easy to donate. In Richmond, Toys for Tots bins are collected on December 15th, but they continue to collect toy donations up until Christmas if dropped off at the Toys for Tots office. Be sure to check your area program’s page for specific dates and drop-off location. The link below is for the Richmond, VA area.

https://richmond-va.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx

2. Donate to Local Food Bank

Most food banks accept non-perishable donations year-round. Whether you decide to clean out the bottom shelf of your pantry or take advantage of Kroger's perpetuating 10/$10 deal on almost any canned good, providing food to the hungry will assuredly brighten spirits this time of year!

3. Donate Warm Clothes

Charity warrants a de-cluttered home; you earned it! As soon as you finish with the pantry, head to that bedroom closet. Even when I bundle up completely, I can't withstand the cold for very long. Warm clothing that hasn't been worn for a full year will only crowd your closet further, because it will never leave your closet again! Donate them to your local homeless shelter. Remember, every little thing helps. A pair of gloves and a scarf will provide much needed warmth for those without a home or a bed to sleep in. I have provided a link to Richmond, VA locations in need of donations. Please visit the website, http://www.suntopia.org/richmond/va/clothing.php, for complete lists of supplies needed.

4. Donate Time to the Shelter

Offering up your time is just as effective in spreading Christmas cheer! Get a group of friends together, visit the shelter, and humble yourselves. Smiles are contagious, and I have learned first hand that a smile has the ability to change my day's outlook in a matter of seconds.

5. Salvation Army

Unfortunately, the deadline has passed to adopt a Salvation Army angel to pick out Christmas presents for; however, you can still help their cause. Salvation Army Bell Ringers have become a staple during the holiday season. They are literally everywhere. Donate! It's easy!

6. Holiday for Heroes

I cannot express my level of gratitude for the men and women fighting overseas. My father spent over 20 years in the military, and as any military brat would understand, deployment becomes routine. I can't imagine the difficulty of spending months, sometimes years, in a war zone, apart from your family, during the holidays. Through the Red Cross, Holiday for Heroes strives to bring holiday cheer to our soldiers by sending Christmas cards and care packages. For a list of requested items, please visit: http://www.redcross,org/local/virginia/holiday-for-heroes.

7. Bake and Deliver Cookies to Local Fire and Police Station Employees

These women and men make sacrifices on behalf of their community year-round, including all holidays. Bake a few extra tins of cookies this year and make it a Christmas Eve tradition to deliver them to your local stations! It's important to remind your local servicemen that we appreciate all that they do.

8. One Warm Coat

Since its inception in 1992, One Warm Coat has provided over 5 million coats to people in need! Find your nearest coat drive by visiting their website, at: https://www.onewarmcoat.org/. The Richmond area currently has two of which will be accepting donations up until Christmas Day.