The holiday season is in full swing as families everywhere prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. But as we gear up for a time of gift-giving and celebrations, it’s important to remember that the holiday season can be a difficult time for many, and giving back during the holidays can have a big impact on others in your community.

Here are a few ways you can give back to your community and those in need this holiday season:

Volunteer with your local soup kitchen or food bank

Most food programs and soup kitchens rely entirely upon volunteers. Volunteering your time to help deliver or hand out meals can make food more accessible to your community, and it won’t cost you anything.

Set up a holiday food drive

Get together with friends, family or your neighbors to start a food drive. Your local food bank will have information on what foods are most needed, so your food drive can aim to fill those gaps.

Set up or contribute to a holiday gift drive

Help alleviate some of the gift-giving stress for families by purchasing gifts for families and children in need.

At Easton, we host a holiday gift drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Each academy puts up a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, on which we hang paper cut outs of ornaments with a gift idea and the corresponding estimate. Students and staff can choose a gift that they’re able to afford, and bring it (unwrapped) to the front desk. On December 23rd, all of the gifts are delivered to Children’s Hospital!

[Easton Kids Holiday Gift Drive: A Tradition of Sharing]

Donate warm clothing 

With many areas experiencing colder temperatures during the holidays, donating new or gently-used winter weather clothing can have a significant impact on the lives of those who need it. Gather up coats or sweaters from your closets, or if you are able to, purchase a few new items. Research local coat drives in your area or connect with an organization like One Warm Coat for more opportunities to donate.

There are plenty of ways you can help make the world a brighter place this holiday season, even if you start out small. Giving back is a great way to help your community while also teaching your kids that there’s more to the holidays than getting gifts.

By making a concerted effort every year to give back, you can show your kids the value of community, compassion, and awareness of how their actions can have a positive impact on the others around them.