We’re joining forces with U.S. Bank to inspire good people to #GiveTime in honor of #GivingTuesday, and you’re invited!
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, your wallet may be feeling a little thin by the time GivingTuesday rolls around, so we want to help you find ways to #GiveTime and help make #CommunityPossible.
This year, we’re focusing on what’s near and dear to so many of us during the holidays — community.
One of the best ways to show children how rewarding and fun it is to help others is through volunteering, especially during the holidays. Here are 10 ways you can volunteer as a family to share joy throughout your community.
1. Host a food drive.
Gain a deeper connection to your community by hosting a neighborhood food drive, while helping with the growing demands from food banks. Consider inviting friends and colleagues to participate virtually or by using safe distancing practices. Friends can drop off the food outside of your house. You could even theme it around the holidays with the type of food that you’re asking people to donate.
2. Make homemade cards.
Children love arts and crafts, so why not channel their creative talents into brightening the days of others? There are 100s of organizations looking for homemade cards for a variety of groups including Alzheimer’s patients, hospice patients, or people with disabilities.
3. Knit, crochet and sew.
If family members know how to knit, crochet, sew–or are interested in learning together–you can make blankets or warm garments for people in need.
4. Host a toy drive.
Doing a toy drive is a great way to brighten children’s lives in your communities and teach your kids the joy of giving.
5. Foster a pet.
Bring new life and energy into your house—foster a dog, cat or other pet in need.
Bonus: Teach children compassion and responsibility. Not ready to become a foster parent to a fur baby? Check out a variety of options of animal-related virtual volunteer opportunities.
6. Connect with a senior.
COVID-19 has compelled us to connect with grandparents and great aunts and uncles in our family in different ways. You can bring that same energy of checking in on an older family member to an isolated senior you don’t know. Providing companionship with a short phone call, a letter, or virtual visit can brighten someone’s day immensely and your family may learn something new from an older adult with a different background.
7. Tutor a kid (teen opportunity).
Do you have a teenager who excels in school? It can be incredibly rewarding for a teen to tutor and mentor a younger student. Bonus: It looks good on college applications.
8. Volunteer at your local library.
Most community libraries are now offering virtual volunteer opportunities. There are a variety of ways you can help your local library.
9. Walk for fundraising and awareness.
Help to raise money, get some fresh air, and enjoy being outside by being a part of a walk. Many of these events have gone virtual, which means you can support the cause by walking in your own area.
10. Support active military, veterans and their families.
There are so many ways for you to show your appreciation for military, veterans and their families, and add some ease and happiness to their lives.
