Ways To Give Back To Your Community This Holiday Season

For most families, the holidays are bound to look a little different this year. As the number of COVID cases in the U.S. continues to surge, the CDC has taken the step of creating guidelines and recommendations for celebrating this holiday safely. While your typical meal for ten might look like a meal for one or two this year, there’s one component of the holidays that the pandemic can’t alter: the spirit of giving and expressing gratitude.

If you want to make a difference this holiday season, there are plenty of ways you can do so that are socially distant and safe for everyone!

Volunteer Safely During The Holidays

You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time grocery shopping over the next few weeks (and months) — why not shop for someone other than yourself? Or someone in need? Offer to go grocery shopping for a neighbor or a family member who may be at-risk or elderly.

Thanksgiving and the holidays, in general, are very busy times for food banks and very popular times to volunteer. Be aware that during the pandemic, food banks and food pantries are taking extra precautions to keep volunteers and visitors safe. If you want to volunteer this holiday season, there are still plenty of options to choose from, as long as you sign up early. Find a local food kitchen or shelter that is in need this year due to COVID-19. You can find your local food kitchen or shelter here.

Give To A Charity Of Your Choice

Show your appreciation and thankfulness by giving! If volunteering in-person isn’t for you, you can look into donations. Food insecurity is still a concern for many across the country. To get started, check out these places that we’ve rounded up that have been fighting the spread of COVID-19 and providing food and supplies to this in need throughout the pandemic: