We’ve officially made it to Day #20 of BLOGMAS! The next 4 days are going to fly by and Christmas will be here before we know it! I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend filled with all things Christmas-y!
Something that has been on my heart more than anything this holiday season is giving when and where I can. I know that each of us have suffered from our own unique challenges this year, whether it’s been unexpected job loss, health scares, unimaginable levels of stress dealing with the unknowns since March–it’s just been a lot (to say the least). While giving back is always a huge priority on my list, it seems more crucial than ever right now. The thought of empty seats at the table, the sadness of socially distant family celebrations or lack thereof, or just simply facing financial difficulties are weighing heavy on a lot of our hearts. So, I thought it would be helpful to share a few super simple ways to give to someone in need this year! The best part? These are all socially distant and safe to do from the comfort of your own cozy couch, no germs involved. 😉
1 Donate to Ronald McDonald House. You can donate as little or as much as $10 to help a family that’s battling childhood illness to cover a portion of their stay in a local hotel. Or, want to give more? You can give games, stuffed animals or other toys too!
“The Ronald McDonald House helps families stay close to each other and the care and resources they need, when they need it most. In fact, the Ronald McDonald House is the only facility of its kind in Little Rock where kids can stay with their parents while their sibling is in the hospital.
With your help, the Ronald McDonald House provides a “home-away-from-home” for 32 families each night. While it costs $83 per night per family to operate the House, guests are asked to donate just $10 per night of stay.”
If you’re not local to Little Rock, click here to find one near you!
2 Are you a fluffer mom or dad with a heart for animal shelters? You can search for your local animal shelter’s Amazon Wishlist! That way, you’re able to get them items they need and have them shipped right to their location. It doesn’t get easier than that does it? If you’re local to Little Rock, here’s the Humane Society of Pulaski County’s Wishlist!
3 Donate non-perishable food items to your local “Little Free Pantry”! We have one organization here in Central Arkansas called “Our Blessing Boxes” and they’re the most amazing way to give a meal to someone in need! Can’t make it to drop off food items this year? See if you can reach out and Venmo or PayPal the organizer to make a donation for food purchases.
4 Make a donation to Operation Blessing! From clean water to food and medical care donations–they have something to give to anyone in need with an amazing mission behind them.
“Operation Blessing is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to partnering with YOU to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating human suffering in the U.S. and around the world. For more than 40 years, your love has shown through OB as together we’ve provided hunger relief, clean water, medical care and disaster relief to millions.”
5 Send a Virtual Christmas card to a kiddo at St. Jude! They have the most adorable animated cards you can pick from and personalize. The artwork is even done by their patients! You can select to give a one time gift or give monthly!
6 Put together a warm “Giving Bundle” for someone in need! The homeless don’t have many places to go most days, but especially on Christmas! So, you could put together a bag with things like warm gloves, a chapstick, a $5-10 gift card to a local restaurant for a quick meal, a canned soup and a hand warmer pack! I plan to make these and keep them in my car–that way when I come across someone I’ll have it ready to go!
7 Don’t forget your local nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers and other essential workers that can’t take the holiday off! How about sending over a delivery order of Chick-fil-a cookies or chicken nuggets! We have a cute small business here in Little Rock called “At The Corner” and they deliver fresh baked cinnamon rolls to local hospitals! Talk about YUM and thoughtful all in one!
8 Last but not least, one of the biggest impacts we can have is to remember to shop small! Small Businesses NEED us this year more than ever before. So if you can, remember that these owners put their hearts and souls into their businesses and every penny helps keep their doors open. (Virtual or not!) They depend on each and every purchase, so if you still have a few items on your Christmas list this year to shop for, stop by your local small business to find something unique and locally made. I can’t think of a better gift!
*If you can’t make it into your local small business and find yourself needing to shop via Amazon–be sure to shop with their Amazon Smile program to donate a portion of your purchase to a charity of your liking this year! It’s super simple and is just another way to give back without even leaving the comfort of your couch!
Alright guys, that’s all for today! I hope this gives you a few ideas of ways you can give back this holiday season! I’m off to get ready for a busy work week filled with all things Christmas social media! 😉
Have an amazing rest of your night!
Questions for you:
What’s your favorite way to pay it forward?
Do you have a favorite small business? What is it and what makes them your favorite? Drop their website below too to share the love!
What was the highlight of your weekend?
