With 2020 coming to an end and the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways to get involved and how to give back to your community. We’ve all had a tough year, which means that coming together to give back is more important than ever. While there are endless possibilities for how you can make a difference this holiday season, this week’s Encounter Church discusses ten ideas.
Encounter Church is a non-denominational church in Denver that offers a wide range of events for all ages, including Bible studies, youth and young adult ministries, Sunday sermons, and more. Read on to learn more about ways to make a difference this holiday season and contact Encounter Church in Denver to get involved today!
Bake Treats
Who doesn’t love some delicious baked goods around the holidays? Bake cookies or casseroles to pass out to those in need throughout your community. Cooking and baking is a great way to get your kids involved with giving back their time, and it can also be a great learning experience as well! Pass cookies or treats out to your local fire department, senior centers, neighbors, or other important people in your community.
Pack Stockings With Goodies
A super fun way to give back during the holidays is to purchase cheap stockings and pack them with practical and fun items. You can include things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, granola bars, water, gloves or socks, candy, or whatever you feel is needed. Keep the stockings in your car and pass them out to the homeless community as needed, or make a special trip to the shelter and drop off a batch.
Write Letters to Deployed Military Members
The holidays are an especially hard time for those deployed overseas. Military members are isolated and separated from their families, and writing letters can be a great way to bring smiles to their faces. Write letters thanking them for their service, include positive stories, or write words of affirmation. Have your kids decorate them with stickers, markers, or another personal touch.
“Adopt” a Family
For less fortunate families, the holidays can be a very difficult time. Put a smile on their faces by reaching out to an organization that allows you to sponsor a family in your area. Use a portion of your family’s holiday spending to buy or make gifts for another family in need.
Make it enjoyable and get creative with the gifts you choose. There’s no need to go overboard, as a little goes a long way.
Volunteer at Various Organizations
There are many opportunities for giving back in the form of volunteering. Find a local soup kitchen, homeless or animal shelter, food pantry, or food drive to volunteer at. Even if you don’t have time to spare, you can give back by making donations of canned food, freshly baked goods, old clothes, or toys.
Engage in Random Acts of Kindness
There are endless options for engaging in a random act of kindness. Pay it forward by purchasing someone’s coffee or breakfast. Over-tip the server at the next restaurant you visit. Leave a random holiday greeting on someone’s windshield in your work parking lot. You don’t have to go overboard, as small acts of kindness can go a long way.
Wrap Gifts in Exchange for Donation Earnings
Have your teens or older children offer their gift wrapping services in exchange for money that will be donated to a cause of your choosing. Sit down with your family and discuss which charity you’d like the money to go to. If you have an organization or cause that’s near and dear to your heart, now’s the time to give back to that cause!
Get Involved With Your Child’s School District
School districts could often use help, especially during the holiday season. Get involved with school committees, bake sales, fundraisers, or other opportunities that will make a positive impact on your child’s school and your community.
Pay a Virtual Visit to a Nursing Home
The holidays can be a very lonely time for those in nursing homes, and the COVID-19 restrictions have made it even lonelier. Many don’t have family that visit, so why not stop by (virtually of course)? Play games, engage in meaningful conversation, or simply just offer your company. A meaningful conversation and some quality time can go a long way when it comes to brightening someone’s spirit!
Give a Special Offering to Your Local Church
Thanksgiving and Christmas are the perfect times to give back to your local church. These donations can go a long way when it comes to church event organization, emergency relief, and community events. If you don’t have money to spare, your time can be just as valuable.
Contact your local church to find out how you can give back and make a difference!
Make a Difference This Season
We hope you’ve found these ideas helpful and that you’re excited to get involved and work to put a smile on the faces of those around you. 2020 has been a challenging year for most, and we could all use a pick-me-up. When you give back to your community, whether in the form of money, time, or other items, you’re making a difference, and that feels good!
Our non-denominational church in Denver offers many opportunities to make a difference in our community. Contact us to learn more about the events we offer to join our local church today!