Are you feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? You’re not alone. Between travel, expenses, family obligations, and deadlines at work, December may be the most stressful month of the year. But while it’s a strain most years to get everything done in time, to carve out a few moments to give thanks and rejoice in the season, we somehow manage to have a happy holiday despite the chaos.
This December seems different. The tragedies in Connecticut, Oregon, and Alabama were horrifying and incomprehensible displays of the human capacity for violence. Meanwhile, businesses and homeowners across the East Coast continue to endure the lasting effects of Sandy, the storm that ravaged the region in October. The tenor of current events seems at odds with the holiday spirit, leaving many of us feeling confused, disheartened, and empty. It’s difficult to find the time or the energy to enjoy the season, let alone give back during the holidays.
That’s why it is more important than ever to do good this holiday season. Whether you have five days, five hours, or five minutes, there are plenty of opportunities to give to someone in need and spread a message of hope. Here are five ways to do good in five minutes, online and off, this December:
Give a Gift
This holiday, you can provide a gift at no cost to a child in need without leaving your house. All you have to do is Thank Santa. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Hasbro are giving one toy to an underprivileged child for every thank-you note written on their Facebook page. Simply go to facebook.com/toysfortots/, click on the Thank Santa app, and share your memory of the holiday gift that changed your life.
Give Shelter
Patelco Credit Union is supporting the American Red Cross’ Sandy relief efforts through a Facebook giving campaign. Designed for easy donation and social sharing, the giving app generates proceeds that go directly to the Red Cross. Patelco will match giving dollar-to-dollar, up to $5,000 in donations. Help Patelco reach its $10,000 goal by donating $10, $25, $50, $100 (or more).
Give Food
Around the country, supermarkets and community centers are participating in food drives to benefit state organizations and national nonprofit Feeding America, which helps provide food to more than 37 million American families each year. While Feeding America recommends against hastily starting your own food drive, it’s easy to provide food to those in need while shopping for groceries or last-minute gifts this season. Look for participating local retailers like New Seasons Market and community organizations like the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division.
Give Blood
Giving blood is one of the most effective ways to help someone in need. By giving blood, you’re giving life to a man, woman, or child in desperate circumstances. Though not all of us are cut out for it, blood donation is fast and painless for those able to donate. Wherever you’re located, know that taking five or ten minutes to donate blood can save another person’s life.
Give Thanks
No doubt you’re already receiving hundreds of donation pleas from nonprofits this time of year. It can be tempting to throw them all – along with the holiday offers and coupons - into the recycling bin. But take a few minutes to think of one nonprofit that makes a difference in your community, and consider sending a thank-you note to the folks there. While nonprofit organizations could always use monetary donations, gratitude and emotional support can provide a lot of energy to those hardworking people. (And hey, you could always slip a $10 bill in the envelope, too.)
This holiday season, every donation counts. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to share love and joy, whether online through social media campaigns, or with your offline action. For even more ideas on how to give back, visit CafeGive.com/apps.
