Ten Ways to Give Back in the Holiday Spirit This Year

The holiday season is the final leg to an amazing year.

As we run across the finishing line, we begin to celebrate, appreciate the wonderful things in our lives and reflect on the year we’ve had, good or bad.

It’s important to spend the break with our family and friends, and cherish those who mean the most to us.

And though it’s a time for receiving and giving gifts, we tend to forget it is also a time to give back to the community. Those who are without a home on Christmas Day could use some help to brighten their day, and those in difficult circumstances might just need a helping hand to get by.

The true meaning of the season is to share the love we are so lucky to receive from our family and friends, spreading it to those who need it the most. Before you dig into your wallet this season, remember the other ways you can get into the festive spirit.

1. Donate your old clothes to charity

As things come in and out of fashion, we tend to fill our wardrobes and leave good items to waste. Grab all the clothes you don’t need (trust me, there’s a lot more than you think!) and bag them up for charity. You can drop off your unwanted clothes at your local St. Vinnies or Red Cross charity bins. It’ as simple as that.

2. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

In Australia, there are more than 100,000 people sleeping rough on the streets at night. This is unacceptable, but there are ways we can help those in need. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or give out some food to those on the streets. Organisations such as The Red Cross, St. Vinnies and The Salvation Army do great work helping those in need.

3. Help a furry friend

We must act to preserve our ecosystem and environment! You can adopt a furry friend via WWF, help fund conservation projects abroad and aid those who are giving their time to save the environment.

4. Give your books to charity

Books bring knowledge and inspiration into our lives, and they help us excel and open our eyes to awesome things. Without them, we would not be able to explore new concepts or pass down knowledge we’ve acquired. However, many in the community struggle to find the resources to further their education. You can easily donate your old high school books, or novels, to a designated charity who will get them to those in need domestically or overseas.

5. Donate blood

Take an hour out of your day to save a life (or three). Donating blood is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the community, as it helps people from all walks of life who rely on blood to fight serious health issues. Read up on how to donate and if you meet the eligibility requirements, sign up to be a blood donor today!

6. Donate to a children’s hospital or your local hospital

Thousands of kids get admitted into hospitals across Australia, often dealing with life threatening illnesses, tarnishing their quality of life. Toys and gifts act as a distraction for these kids going through these hardships. You can get in contact with your local hospital to find out more information, or donate via the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

7. Support refugees for Christmas

This year, we witnessed gruelling stories of displacement around the world. More than 65.6 million people are forcibly displaced as of 2017, with 55 per cent of refugees coming from the war-ridden countries of South Sudan, Afghanistan and Syria. Not many people are as lucky as us to live in a democratic, free country such as Australia. Any donation to the organisation of your choice helps those who are struggling to find a place in the world, and fast tracks their chances of finding comfort.

8. Donate to the charity of your choice

If you can’t make the time to help this Christmas, don’t fret! You can donate to the cause of your choice online. Even if you are doing your grocery shopping or eating at Maccas, there are ways to donate over the register. Or, spend some time researching a charity or cause that may interest you.

9. Make up with someone or catch up with a long-lost friend

Giving back to the community is a great way to show your gratitude, but keeping your loved ones close is also important. Try sending a text or a message to a friend or family member to see how they’re going.

10. Spread the word!

The more people you tell, the more help will be given to those in need. Grab your friends and family to go volunteering or make a joint donation to the charity of your choice. Above all, spread the holiday spirit, take the time to reflect on the year and set new goals for the new year ahead!

Andrea Au is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. See more student contributions here.

Photo: iStock.com/cornecoba