The festive decorations are already in place in many stores, and shoppers enjoy their favorite holiday tunes as background music. Sounds of well wishes echo on the air as bags filled with colorful packages hang on people’s arms. This season is not so joyous for everyone. In fact, it may be the darkest time all year.
For those who have an empathy with the less fortunate, they may offer to help out for the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. It is their contribution for the year and they feel good about helping out. These people are not bad or selfish; their intentions are good. They just don’t realize that it takes more than one good meal to make a difference in people’s lives.
That’s not to say that a warm meal doesn’t mean a lot to someone who is homeless and hungry. The problem with limiting your service to this area is that everyone comes back the next day hungry again.
So, how can you make a bigger impact with lasting effects this holiday season?
Work with Organized Charities
You can find many nonprofits in place that are already involved in ongoing ministries. Some, like Angel Tree, have specific projects. They often work through local churches. Others provide assistance around the year with a unique focus during this season.
If you don’t have time to donate, you can always give money or items. However, an investment of time no matter how small will have a greater impact on you as well as others around you. It is a busy time for everyone, but you can turn it into family time by getting everyone involved.
Go Out on Your Own
What if you want to make a more direct impact? You have plenty of options to do that, too. For instance, spend time at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Many of the residents suffer from depression during this time of year when family members are too busy to visit. Take a book and read to someone who can no longer read on their own or just sit and chat.
- Get a small group of friends together and you can all go visit several times over the holidays. It is this one-to-one interaction that will mean the most.
- What about those who still live in their own homes but are homebound? They could use a helping hand when the weather is cold and dangerous as well as the company. Shovel sidewalks, run errands and even make a casserole to take.
- Know a single mother who is working overtime to afford Christmas presents for her kids or maybe just to pay the heating bill? Offer to babysit for free one or two evenings a week. Take the kids to a movie or help them build a snowman.
If you don’t know someone who needs help, ask your church or other nonprofit group. With a little effort, you can be paired up with someone in need. In the end, you will not only have a bigger impact on someone’s life, but it will also make a difference in your own.
