Beyond the gift-giving traditions and festive gatherings, this time of year offers an opportunity to practice compassion in meaningful ways—whether through small acts of service, volunteering, or simply showing care to those who may feel alone.

Giving back during the holidays not only uplifts others but also nurtures our own well-being.

Research shows that helping others can boost happiness, strengthen self-esteem, and provide a deeper sense of purpose. As you prepare for the holiday season, consider the many ways you can share kindness and light with the world around you.

Find Causes That Speak to You

If you’re looking for a place to figure out how you could give your time or talent in the world, check out VolunteerMatch.org where you can select areas of interest in your vicinity. This organization has helped over 141,000 nonprofit organizations find the help they need. There are thousands of volunteer and donating opportunities to be found using this tool.

Support Area Food Banks

Contact a local food bank and see what support they are seeking. Typical volunteer experiences include: sorting and packing food, delivering meals, assisting at drive-thru pantries, and garden harvesting.

A great resource to start with is: http://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer

Donate for Meaningful Causes

Before getting rid of items you no longer want, look online to see where you could make donations to make a difference in others’ lives. Habitat For Humanity which helps provide homes across the world is a well-known and trusted example of such an organization. They accept building materials, furniture, and appliances at Habitat ReStores.

Buy from Local Businesses

From heading to the farmers’ market for local produce to checking out a new local artisan or coffee house, support the small businesses in your area. If you have relatives who you’ll be sending holiday gifts to, consider buying from a unique local business.

Give Your Time & Talent

If you have a skill set you could use to help in the community, teach others or provide entertainment, you would be enriching others’ lives to share them. Try contacting local recreation/senior centers, schools, community theatre programs, the library, or senior living communities to see where volunteers/entertainers may be needed.

Radiant Senior Living communities welcome volunteers to assist in our life enrichment departments! Contact our Life Enrichment Team in a community near you for volunteer information.

Put Pen to Paper

Throughout the year, and especially during the holidays, it brightens’ people’s hearts to receive mail. Consider sending some heartfelt cards to soldiers abroad! There are various websites online that orchestrate mail to our troops. Operation Gratitude is one to try.

Another great option for spreading cheer through the mail is to write holiday cards or letters to seniors living in assisted living or memory care communities near you. We have had the pleasure of seeing first-hand how these letters brighten the day of our residents and make their holidays extra special.

We hope these ideas spark inspiration toward giving. Let us know of great ideas you have beyond this list on our Facebook page.