Christmas is a time for giving, so while you’re celebrating with your family, it’s important to think about those less fortunate. There are many ways to volunteer your time during the festive season. We’ve compiled some great ways that you can give back as a family. Not only do these activities teach important values to the little ones, they are also wonderful traditions to keep each year and make beautiful Christmas memories.
Take the kids shopping to buy a gift for a child in need
Take your children shopping and have each child choose a gift that they themselves would want. They can wrap it and even write a little card. Many departments stores and charitable organisations have Toy Drives each year, so keep your eyes open for one that you can be a part of.
Make a Christmas shoebox
Charity organisation Samaratin’s Purse runs Operation Christmas Child (link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org.au/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/) all over the world, sending shoeboxes of helpful items to children in need. You simply take a shoe box, choose whether the gift is for a boy or a girl, and the age range, and fill it with useful items. Each box should include something from each of the 6 categories.
● Something to wear
● Something to play with
● Something for school
● Something to love
● Something special
● Something for personal hygiene
Look on their website to find your closest drop off point, which is normally the local church.
Visit a local nursing home
We have a lot to learn from the elderly, but sadly they are often left forgotten. Often for those who are homebound or require assisted living, it can be very isolating without visitors. Indeed, some of the greatest joys can come from the laughter of a child – have a look at this adorable video!
Take your little ones to visit a nursing home, simply to spend some time playing and chatting. A few hours for you can mean the world to someone else. Be sure to call ahead and find a good time for your visit.
Clean out old books and toys!
Use the festive time as a reason to clean out all your children’s unused items and donate them to a children’s centre, women’s shelter or local library. These pre-loved goods can get a new lease of life and love from another family, and you get a little extra room in your home for Santa’s gifts.
Offer a playdate to new or exhausted parents.
If your children are a bit older, you probably remember how exhausting being a new parent is – especially during the craziness of the Christmas period. Offer your free babysitting services to someone you know might be struggling, and bring your own kids along for a playdate. This will give them a few hours to do some peaceful Christmas shopping, run some errands, or simply just have a much-needed coffee break.
Commit time to a local Christmas community event
December is always full of fundraising, community and charity events that are built to create neighbourhood morale. Keep an eye out for opportunities at schools, community centres or religious hubs. Not only is it a ton of fun, it’s also a great way to meet like-minded people in your area.
Deliver goods for a charity’s Christmas drive
Most charities have a big Christmas campaign that they run during the festive season – and often they rely on volunteer drivers to help get donated goods to the people who need them. Different charities focus on providing meals, festive hampers, groceries, clothes, gifts and much more. If you have a car, have a look on the internet for organisations in your area that you can offer a few hours to.