The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and by giving back to those in need! Year round, many organizations are involved with helping those in need, but more need special assistance during the holiday season. Below is a list of five great organizations helping children in need have a more magical holiday season!
1. Toys for Tots
Created by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, the Toys for Tots program collects toys annually to distribute to local less fortunate children. These children may only receive gifts from this drive, so donations from the community make a huge difference in these children's Christmas. Toys for Tots also accepts support in the form of monetary donations!
2. Operation Christmas Child
The Samaritan's Purse runs a shoebox drive annually to distribute to kids during the holiday season. After finding a shoebox, participants can select the age and gender of their boxes' recipient. Then, the box is filled with gifts, hygiene items, and school supplies and sent to children all over! Samaritan's Purse also sponsors fundraisers to help raise money year round to fund international relief efforts.
3. Operation Christmas Spirit
Operation Christmas Spirit helps military service members and their families during the holiday season. For 15 years, Operation Christmas Spirit supports military families, single service members, and accepts online donations as well as toy donations. Last year, this organization helped over 250 families have a great holiday.
4. One Simple Wish
One Simple Wish gives gifts to foster children of all ages, nationwide. There are over 500,000 children in the foster system in America, and many have little to call their own. By supporting foster children's holiday wishes, these children will get to experience simple pleasures, and maybe get to feel like a normal kid for a day, with an act of kindness they will remember for a lifetime.
5. Be an Elf
If a donation is hard to make right now, Be an Elf is a great organization that only needs your time. The US Postal Service finds letters from children to Santa, and since Santa is a busy man, Be an Elf lets you write back to the children. Online monetary donations are also super helpful to make these children's Christmas wishes come true.
The holiday spirit is in full swing, and many kids are looking forward to Christmas morning. Getting involved with these organizations is an easy and fun way to spread joy and love this season. And while giving is the spirit of the season, there are many great causes and organizations that need help year round. Get involved and give back!
