Here are some ways to do some Christmas giving this season! 🎄

Spread some joy to the world! 

We are in the midst of the holiday season, and although it’s easy to get swept up in the madness, giving back and being thankful is the most important part of this Christmas season. This time of year is wonderful to reflect on all of our blessings big and small, and do our best to make a world of a difference to those in need. ❤️

Not sure where to start? We’ve come up with a list of ideas, on both local and global scales, for you to start making a difference! Plus, keep reading because we include some kids’ gift donation ideas for under $30.

Here are several ways to do some Christmas giving and bring joy to others:

1. Light up a family’s Christmas with the USPS Operation Santa program.

This wonderful program by the USPS is so impactful and simple! We recently shared in greater detail about Operation Santa, but it all comes down to four easy steps.

On their website, you’ll read through some letters and adopt one you love, shop and keep the gift anonymous (since you’re helping Santa out!), wrap your present, and ship it by December 18th! You’re helping out parents while also bringing some happiness to a child’s Christmas.

2. Sponsor or “adopt” a family through DoingGoodTogether.org.

DoingGoodTogether.org prides itself on raising future generations with kindness. It also has instructions on how you can easily “adopt” a family through local Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, or the Salvation Army. After selecting one, you’ll be matched with a family and learn specifics about their family members, including age, interests, etc.

From there, you and your family can brainstorm a list of what to gift. You’ll wrap them and drop them off at the designated location.

3. Check for local opportunities with VolunteerMatch.org.

VolunteerMatch.org connects you with hundreds of service opportunities within your neighborhood once you enter your zip code! They have over 100,000 nonprofits registered along with various categories and listings of places that need volunteers.

Even if you aren’t interested in the opportunities listed, you can use the lists as a starting point to reach out to local shelters, churches, and/or food banks that are looking for help with holiday opportunities that pique your interest.

4. Create a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child allows you to grab a shoebox, decorate it as you please, and fill it with sweet gifts and essentials a child may need. If you’re already doing some holiday decor shopping at Hobby Lobby, they sell pre-decorated boxes!

After filling the box, simply drop it off at your nearest location. If there isn’t a location near you, you can build a shoebox online!

5. Do some Christmas giving by delivering Toys for Tots!

Toys for Tots is an extrordinary program by the Marine Corps Reserve to help distribute toys to less fortunate children. In some cases, you’ll see various in-person fundraisers where you can drop off a toy, but there are also opportunities to donate virtually.

Toys for Tots has various programs that exceed beyond Christmas, including a Native American Reservation Program and a Literacy Program dedicated to assisting better education opportunities for our youth.

6. Write a letter to Santa to help out Make-A-Wish.

Make-A-Wish is world-renowned for helping ill children, and for Christmas, they collaborate with Macy’s Believe bringing even more joy to children! Something as simple as writing a letter to Santa and dropping it off in one of the mailboxes has allowed Macy’s to raise $2 million on behalf of Make-A-Wish; that’s $2 per letter!

With these donations, Macy’s has helped grant over 16,000 wishes, and you can take part this year by simply writing to Santa. Just make sure to drop that letter off at your local Macy’s by December 24th. ❤️

7. Pick a tag of an Angel Tree at your local Walmart.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Trees are back at your local Walmart stores! Simply look for the Angel Tree which has tons of tags that include a child’s (also known as angels in this program), wishlist for Christmas of needed donations from clothes to toys to essential items. Once you bring your gift back to the Salvation Army, they will distribute the gifts to the angels on Christmas morning!

You can also fulfill wish lists from the comfort of home by heading here to find an Angel Tree registry near you!

8. Donate some Trees for Troops! 

For the past 16 years, Trees for Troops by the Christmas Spirit Foundation has distributed over 200,000 real trees to military families thanks to donations! Simply view their participating locations on the website and pick a tree to donate, which is then picked up and delivered to a base by FedEx. What an awesome way to spread Christmas cheer!

9. Meals On Wheels keeps elders fed & provides a welcomed visit to their home!

Meals on Wheels America helps deliver meals to seniors year round, but since many elders are unfortunately alone during the holidays, the visits are especially welcomed this time of year! You can help out by delivering or donating in order to bring smiles to the millions of faces of those who benefit from this program. ❤️

Need some help on great gift ideas to donate? Here are popular toys you can grab for less right now:

BONUS Christmas Giving Idea: Partake in some random acts of kindness!

It could be as simple as paying for the coffee order for the person behind you in the drive-thru line, or surprising a family member with some quality time.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of any random acts of kindness, you know how special it makes you feel and the impacts it can have on your day.

These are all wonderful ideas and bonding experiences to share with your family and friends. Remember that although it is the season of giving, you can donate your time and resources at any point of the year.
Now go spread that Christmas cheer! 🎁

Let’s do some more random acts of kindness!