You don’t have to be rich to make a difference in someone’s life. Millions of ordinary people like to help the less fortunate. I personally get a “high” from volunteering, similar to the good feelings that come from exercise. You can make a difference today, everyday… and change the world forever without breaking the bank.
10 great ways to spread kindness this Christmas:
1) Don’t worry about giving “small” – “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Desmond Tutu
2) Give! Give what you can, when you can. As Anne Frank said in The Diary of Anne Frank, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” There is always something you can give.
3) Do consider using your skills, experience and talents to help out as an alternative to giving money.
4) Clean your closet and donate career attire to Dress for Success for women or Career Gear for men. Your donation will provide professional clothing to low-income people seeking employment.
5) Surf for the earth. Powered by Google, Ecosearch.org returns search results with an environmental kick: The site donates 100 percent of search revenues to nonprofits, such as Rainforest Alliance and the Sierra Club.
6) Tutor. Whether you’re helping a student understand Macbeth or teaching an adult the basics of reading, literacy tutoring can be a fun–and important–way to donate your time. Log on to LiteracyDirectory.org to learn more.
7) Invite a solo friend or acquaintance to your holiday meal.
8) Give Blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Donate blood at your local Red Cross. Community drives happen regularly and many large communities have places where you can donate throughout the year.
9) Volunteer a few hours at a local food bank, community kitchen, hospital, elderly home or charity drive. Your time is one of the greatest gifts you can give!
10) Make it simple, make kindness your religion. The spirit of Christmas is all about giving. It’s about gratitude for your blessings and sharing with others. Express gratitude this holiday season with graciousness and gratitude. And don’t forget — be kind to yourself too! You deserve it.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
My mother started our tradition of volunteering at food banks when I was very young. It is actually the thing I look forward to most each year.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
I used #7 this year. I have a single friend whose family is thousands of miles away and he couldn’t be with them for the holidays. We invited him to Christmas dinner with our family. The invitation was graciously accepted. No one should spend the holidays alone.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
I volunteer at a hospital year round, but I can see the extra difference it makes during the holiday season. Being stuck in the hospital is no fun anytime of year. It’s really bad if your stuck during the holidays. A volunteer with good holiday cheer can brighten the day for everyone. I know, I just spent a week doing it. Great list.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
christmas is a good time to get rid of all the toys your kids never use. donate them to a toy drive and give another child a merry christmas. its no cost to you and santa is going to bring all new toys for your kids anyways
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
bravo john. ten excellent ideas. volunteering at food banks and kitchens and shelters are a wonderfully rewarding way to spread christmas cheer. anne frank was right. giving will not make you poor.
ecosearch.org is a great idea, although not specifically related to christmas. seems it would be a great way to give year round.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
Regarding #7 – we do that all the time, several in fact. Me and my mother can’t resist playing matchmaker.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
Hi John, love the inclusion of the Anne Frank quote, and the rewards of giving are plentiful. I usually donate to my local charity shop on a regular basis and the nice part about it is they always write and let donators know how much they have raised from their items.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
I was happy to read note 4, John, as I am in the process of cleaning out my closets and have many clothes from my days as a professional. I wasn’t sure what to do with them, these places sound perfect, thank you.
Pat
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
Even though the holiday season has passed, the Christmas spirit of giving is something that should be encouraged year round. All of the fine suggestions would be wonderful regardless of the season. This was the first time I heard of EcoSearch, which seemed like a great idea. The charity also supports The Sierra Club and National Resource Defense Council. Make it your homepage today!
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
I try to keep this in mind all year ’round … “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Ghandi
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
It’s not Christmas anymore, but I think it’s important to stay mindful of what you can give to the world every day of the year. I love your idea to work toward literacy and the reminder that giving small doesn’t make giving any less important.
10 Ways to Spread Kindness during the Christmas Season…
I think that your idea of giving what you have, during the Holiday season, is a wonderful idea. You don’t have to have a lot of money or a lot of resources to be charitable. You just have to be willing to give of yourself (whatever that might be) to those in need. Great Post