Regardless of religious affiliation, it is common for people to feel guilt during the holiday season. From all of the money one tends to spend on gifts to the cold weather that triggers minds to think of the homeless people, there are all sorts of wintery moments that trigger guilt.
Even if you don’t feel like you have been particularly greedy or selfish lately, realize that during the holidays, when it is common for people to spend time with their families, those who are unfortunate or are unable to do so really appreciate any supportive efforts.
Appropriately, during this busy shopping season Salvation Army or similar non-profit organizations often prop themselves outside of stores to ask for donations for the homeless or others in need.
This season more than ever consumers are reconsidering their purchases and trying to limit the amounts that they spend. Due to the current economic crisis, which has made 10% of the population unemployed (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), people may not be as generous with donations as they have been in the past. But have no fear, because there are other ways to help out the needy than to give money.
Volunteer at a local homeless shelter. If you call ahead of time you can usually help serve a meal or entertain children.
Clean through your cupboard and donate some nonperishable goods to your local food bank.
Note that the following is a really, really simple one (that is also eco-friendly)… Next time you are buying another coat, shirt, or boots, reconsider all of those clothing items you already have accumulated in your closet. It is okay to self-indulge obviously, however it would help your closet, and even more importantly—someone else—if you donate your used clothing. A lot of organizations usually hold coat drives or something of that kind; although, if you call your local Red Cross or another organization I bet they can point you in the right direction, and some even volunteer to pick it up from you! Really though, you can do this with many other belongings such as books or old electronics (that still work).
There are plenty of other ways that one can help out those in need, rather than just writing a check. While it may be true that a check can sometimes go farther than the time you can volunteer, meeting the people whose lives you are actually affecting makes you realize their conditions much more. With this, you can witness firsthand the grateful reactions of the people you are helping, and you can also appreciate the fact that you are in a position which enables you to help others. Whether you choose to volunteer at a shelter, clean out your closet or do any other act to help out the needy during these rough months, consider inviting your friends or family members to join you—this encourages it to become a tradition.
