Meaningful Ways You Can Help Others Over the Holidays

Finnegan Pierson

Between buying gifts for the people you love and preparing for family meals, holidays are the busiest, and sometimes the most stressful, times of the year. However, the holiday season can also be the most rewarding and magical time of the year if you're able and willing to give to people in need. This experience is meaningful for you and the party you're able to assist.

If you think you can't afford to help, recognize that giving to others doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money. Instead, donate your time or offer a service. Here are some meaningful ways to help others this holiday season.

Volunteer

Several organizations look for volunteers over the holidays. Food pantries, animal shelters, hospitals and retirement homes are just a few examples. Another set of hands and a caring heart are all that these places require. There is no feeling quite like helping others who are less fortunate or are facing financial hardships.

If you want to feel your best while donating your time, look into Le-Vel Thrive reviews. Thrive products will help your mind and body stay strong while you're spreading generosity. 

Give Blood

By donating blood, you're choosing to save another person's life. This act can actually save more than one person if your blood's components are given to multiple patients. Some examples of people who would benefit from transfusions are cancer patients, car crash victims and people with bleeding disorders. Blood can only be stored for a short time, so there is a constant need for donations.

Giving blood is easy and straightforward. An authorized medical professional will ask personal questions about your medical history and check a few vitals, such as your heart rate and blood pressure, all of which will determine whether you're healthy enough to give blood. Collecting the blood only takes about 10 minutes. After giving the gift of life, you'll get to take it easy the rest of the day. 

Donate Products

If you have an excessive amount of canned goods or other non-perishables taking up space in your kitchen, consider donating them to a shelter. These items aren't doing anyone any good sitting in your cupboards gathering dust. Instead, give them to people who can't afford to purchase these food items. 

People also need non-food necessities, such as toiletries, laundry detergent and baby supplies. Donate any clothes, shoes or blankets you're no longer using, or purchase some inexpensive items at thrift shops to give away. If you're shopping for unused products, buy generic brands and utilize coupons to get the best deals.

If you want to get your kids involved, ask them to look for any toys they no longer play with. Explain that whatever they get rid of will go to another child who will be grateful to get a new toy. Another idea is to take your child to the store to pick out something new.

The holidays are an excellent time for kids to learn why giving is more important than receiving. Working on this task with your child is also a great way to sneak in some quality bonding time.

Make Food

Perhaps you have a neighbor or loved one going through a tough time, and you want to help. One way to show that you care is to make that person a hot meal. Cooking a meal will benefit someone who doesn't have time to concentrate on making meals because they're too busy dealing with serious issues, such as health concerns. Find out what the individual likes to eat and deliver the hot meal to that person's house. You'll be grateful that you could help someone in a time of need.

Helping others should be at the top of your to-do list all year long, but giving is especially important over the holidays. Some people can only afford to provide their families with the bare necessities and need a little extra help getting through the holiday season. Donate whatever you're able to to ensure the holidays are as special as they can be for other people.