Holidays can be a tough time for some families. Not tough as in they have so much to cook for family members, or trying to figure out what outfit to wear to their family dinner. More of tough for those who cannot afford to put food out for their families during the holidays have a roof over their head, or a family to be with. We have all seen homeless people on the streets. Some of us stare at them while others are kind enough to give them a little something to keep them going. Around the holidays they see families together, celebrating, eating, and laughing with each other. They do not get that. So this holiday season I challenge you guys to go out make a difference in someone's life.

Yes, it will be scary and uncomfortable but to those people, you will create a lasting impression on them. If you are not sure what you can do to help, here are a few options!

1. Volunteer to deliver meals to those people in need

With this, there are certain organizations within communities that will collect and bring Thanksgiving meals to those in need. By helping deliver the meals to those families you are making an impact on their life showing that there are still kindhearted people out there. Usually, in doing this job all you are required to do (depending on where you live) is pick up the meals at the place and deliver them to the people on the list.

2. Visit those in need

During the holidays nursing homes love to have visitors and some hospitals! Before randomly showing up at the place, be sure to give them a call and see if it is okay for you to stop by. You can ask if they need any help preparing for meals during the holiday, or even seeing what individuals may want someone to spend the holiday with. You can talk with these people and hang out with them, you can get a group together and sing songs to them. The more people who join you the more of an impact you make on the individuals.

3. Fundraisers

In some communities, they have fundraisers like marathons where people can help out at and even participate in! With this, in my town, we have a 5k called a turkey trot. Every year I volunteer with some of my family members getting people their shirts for the race, their race numbers, as well as coupons. It may be a long day but you are making their lives easier and less stressful by helping them. Plus, often times you get a reward for food and possible community service hours. Whats not to love about that!?

4. Help out at home

Instead of having your parents or other family members cook the dinner or appetizers for the holiday, have them take a break and you help with the cooking or preparations. You are giving them a chance to worry less and relax for a few hours. Plus it could be used towards brownie points for the better child (if you have siblings)

5. Support the Troops

During the holidays some families will not have everyone in their family with them because they are serving our country. So, during this time you can create a care package for the troops and send it to them wherever there is a base. A lot of soldiers love receiving these kinds of gifts around the holiday. It gives a motivation to keep going and that they are still thought about and cared for by the community.

6. Invite someone over

Sometimes we hear at school that families can not afford to get their loved one back home for the holidays. So, if you know someone who is not able to make it to their families holiday, offer to have them come home with you. That way they are not left alone and have no one to spend the holiday with. It also shows to them that there are people who care about them and gives their family less to worry about.

7. Donate

Donate foods to your local food pantry that goes with the holidays. You can donate things that families could use and be simple and easy for them to cook during the holidays. Some pantries will have a list of items they will accept. A lot of times the pantries would like people to donate non-edible food items like your toiletries.

These are just a few of the many options you can do to help those in need this holiday. Next time you are sitting at home complaining about how hungry you are, but are too lazy to get up and get the food yourself, think about those who do not have that option. Think about the families that cannot afford to keep their home stocked with food, think about the families who are separated during the holidays. By doing one small thing can leave a lasting impression on someone's life. You never know who needs the help.

Let's make a change this holiday season!