kids, christmas tree

Photo by gzee

It's true. Charity begins at home, right there with your family, now and every holiday season.

So while you're busy decking the halls at home, make sure to take a moment to plan a charitable donation, act, or gift for those less fortunate during the holidays.

Here are some ideas to get you started.


5 ways you can give back this holiday season:

  1. Donate your gently used clothing, coats, holiday decorations, and toys to your local Goodwill or The Salvation Army well before the holiday hits (read how Goodwill recycles old clothing).
  2. Instead of buying a gift for that person on your list who has everything, send a donation in their name to a favorite charity or pertinent non-profit organization.
  3. Instead of exchanging gifts with the adults in your family, choose a charity and compile the gift money for the organization instead.
  4. Turn your holiday mixer into a fund-raiser for a favorite charity. Notate your charitable intentions in your invitation. Then, at your gathering, collect cash and check donations in a designated area, and make giving easy for your guests by setting your home computer to the charity's online donation page.
  5. Make it a tradition in your family to make one charitable contribution before the holiday—volunteer, financial, or other. Then, at your holiday celebration, share the details of your chosen contribution, why you chose the organization, and what your gift ultimately meant for you.

5 exciting charitable organizations:

  1. Mama to Mama: Send your handcrafted items to mothers, children, and families in need.
  2. Cookies for Kids' Cancer: Throw a holiday bake sale to help fund the fight against pediatric cancer.
  3. Rainforest Alliance: Support the protection of ecosystems and the rights and welfare of the people who depend on them in over 60 countries.
  4. AnySoldier.com: Fulfill the small requests and wishes of our service men and women overseas.
  5. Feeding America: Give to the largest domestic hunger relief agency in the country. The economic downturn is effecting many local food banks, so they desperately need funds to help supplement those programs.


+++ How does your family give back during the holiday season?