By Georgia Fisher
This holiday season, redirect the potential for material excess into a philanthropic opportunity to give back to your community. Your selfless deeds will do more than put you on Santa’s “nice” list — they’ll help people who are truly in need.
“There are so many homeless people here,” says Emily Stearns, who manages a supermarket near Portland, Oregon, and sees subtle signs of hunger year-round. “More than you’d think.”
So this winter, Stearns is one-upping her “to-go package” tradition — bundling food and other items into warm coats donated by friends and neighbors — and posting reminders in neighborhood hangouts, like the corner coffee shop.
As the pile grows, everyone joins in for wrapping and distribution.
“It’s just a way to tell everybody, ‘Happy holidays,’” Stearns says, “and that we appreciate each other.”
Bringing the philanthropic holiday spirit to your neighborhood is easier than you think. Follow these tips and know that you’re helping to make a difference.
Rally the troops
Holiday giving can be as social as it is generous, and it’s a simple way to connect with neighbors, even when you’re new on the block.
- Break bread. Everyone loves a shared meal, and a neighborhood potluck can be a low-key start to a lasting tradition. Help a local charity by charging “admission” in cash, canned goods or clothes, and be gracious about any contribution — big, small, or quirky. Also, be sure to create simple signage so that neighbors will know their proceeds will go to a good cause.
If someone has only time to spare, take it. You’ll enjoy each other’s company as you sort and tote donations.
- Get creative. Give the old summer drink stand a wintry twist by serving cocoa, coffee, and cider in exchange for contributions to charity. Remember, you don’t have to be roadside. A porch or clubhouse setup — with plenty of notice and a clear sign — allows for a heater, extra chairs, and the coziness to make neighbors linger.
- Go big. Organize an afternoon party with a bounce-house rental, backyard sports, and a cozy movie room to keep kids occupied and parents mingling. Donation stations are part of the fun, especially when turned into a neighborly contest.
Need help getting the ball rolling? Drop a flier in everyone’s mailbox, and ask if they’re willing to make it a block party.
Have a philanthropic holiday
This holiday season, redirect the potential for material excess into a philanthropic opportunity to give back to your community. Your selfless deeds will do more than put you on Santa’s “nice” list — they’ll help people who are truly in need.
“There are so many homeless people here,” says Emily Stearns, who manages a supermarket near Portland, Oregon, and sees subtle signs of hunger year-round. “More than you’d think.”
So this winter, Stearns is one-upping her “to-go package” tradition — bundling food and other items into warm coats donated by friends and neighbors — and posting reminders in neighborhood hangouts, like the corner coffee shop.
As the pile grows, everyone joins in for wrapping and distribution.
“It’s just a way to tell everybody, ‘Happy holidays,’” Stearns says, “and that we appreciate each other.”
Bringing the philanthropic holiday spirit to your neighborhood is easier than you think. Follow these tips and know that you’re helping to make a difference.
Rally the troops
Holiday giving can be as social as it is generous, and it’s a simple way to connect with neighbors, even when you’re new on the block.
If someone has only time to spare, take it. You’ll enjoy each other’s company as you sort and tote donations.
Need help getting the ball rolling? Drop a flier in everyone’s mailbox, and ask if they’re willing to make it a block party.