Charitable activities you can do with your family this holiday season

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In a previous post, we featured the chip shop owner who opened his store for people in need. With all of the bad things happening around us, it’s heartwarming to know that there are still many kind-hearted people out there.

The Christmas holiday season is a great occasion to show your generosity. So with that in mind, here’s how you and your family can take part in charitable causes, and give back this Christmas.

Donate toys, books, clothing

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You can brighten up someone’s day by donating your old or new toys, or even clothing, to people who might need it more. There are plenty of charities welcoming donations such as the British Heart Foundation, The Toy Project, and Kids Out.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

Reports show that there are over nine thousand homeless people in Ireland. Because of this, soup kitchens can get packed especially during the holidays, and it’s a good opportunity for your family to lend a helping hand. Older family members can help prepare the kitchens, while the children can unpack groceries, serve meals, or even get to know the people in need.

Make hygiene kits

Apart from kitchens, bathrooms are also out of reach for many homeless people. That’s why the non-profit organisation Beauty Banks was founded by beauty PR Jo Jones and writer Sali Hughes. To help out, the whole family can make hygiene kits containing basic items such as soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. These can be donated to Beauty Banks who will then distribute them to partner charities.

Visit a care home

The holidays can get lonely especially for the elderly in care homes. Last July, the BBC shared a video of teenagers visiting residents of a care home and it’s something that you can also do as a family. You can bring board games or movies and have a delightful afternoon with seniors who are in need of company. Sometimes, giving other people your time is enough to show that you care.

Spend some time with rescue animals

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People aren’t the only ones who need attention, as abandoned pets need TLC, too. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) are always looking for volunteers who can spend an afternoon with rescue animals. The bond between humans and animals are strong, and you might even end up giving a home to a newfound furry friend.

Contribute to relief efforts worldwide

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and continue to affect many countries around the world. One of the most recently affected is Indonesia, particularly Sulawesi Island which was hit by an earthquake, tsunami and a volcanic eruption. You don’t have to deliver the relief goods yourself, half way around the world. Instead, you and your family can organise a fundraiser of your own as Save the Children notes that as many as 200,000 people in the country are in dire need of help. The proceeds can then be donated to a charitable organisation of your choice. It might be a while before the country fully recovers and the areas that were hit the hardest will no doubt need continuous assistance in the foreseeable future.

The holidays are the perfect time to teach your family about charitable giving, and hopefully this list has given you some ideas. Regardless of which one you choose though, what’s important is that you’re open to helping people in need.