The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and reflection—but it’s also the perfect time to give back. Whether by donating resources, volunteering time, or spreading joy, acts of kindness can make the season more meaningful for you and others. Simplified Concierge loves helping our clients find creative ways to give back, and we’re here to make it easier for you to embrace the holiday spirit.
Spread Joy Through Holiday Cards
Sending holiday cards isn’t just about connecting with loved ones—it’s also a simple way to make someone’s day. Consider creating or purchasing cards to send to nursing homes, hospitals, or military personnel. If you’re short on time, Simplified can help:
- Organize a card-writing event in your home or office.
- Find meaningful card-purchasing options that support charities.
- Ensure your cards are addressed, stamped, and sent out on time.
Host a Meal for Those in Need
Food is central to holiday celebrations, and sharing a meal can be a profound way to give back. Whether by hosting a community dinner or delivering meals to local shelters, you can bring comfort and nourishment to others. Simplified can assist with:
- Meal planning to ensure your gathering runs smoothly.
- Coordinating catering or preparing dishes.
- Delivering meals or leftovers to shelters on your behalf.
Donate Essentials
Winter essentials like coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets are always in high demand during the colder months. Consider donating gently used or new items to those in need. Simplified can help by:
- Organizing a drive to collect these items.
- Picking up and dropping off donations to shelters or community centers.
- Connecting you with local organizations in need of specific items.
Gift Wrapping for a Cause
Gift wrapping can be more than a festive task—it can also support a charitable cause. You could host a gift-wrapping party where participants bring donations, or charge a small fee for wrapping gifts, with proceeds going to a nonprofit. Simplified can:
- Provide supplies and setup for your event.
- Wrap gifts for you or organize a donation of wrapped presents.
- Help you find organizations that accept wrapped holiday gifts for children or families in need.
Share the Joy of Holiday Decorations
Decorating for the holidays isn’t just for your home—it can brighten someone else’s day, too. Volunteer to set up holiday decorations for a local community space, senior center, or shelter. Simplified can:
- Source decorations that align with the needs of the space.
- Deliver and set up a Christmas tree or other festive décor.
- Take down and pack up decorations when the season is over.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to give back. Whether it’s serving meals, reading to children, or cleaning up public spaces, your time can make a difference. Simplified can assist by:
- Researching opportunities tailored to your interests or schedule.
- Coordinating family-friendly volunteer experiences.
- Managing logistics, so you can focus on giving back.
Make Donations Meaningful
If you prefer to support charities financially, consider donating in someone’s name as a meaningful holiday gift. Simplified can help by:
- Researching organizations that align with your values.
- Handling the donation process for you.
- Creating personalized cards to notify recipients of your gift.
Creative Acts of Kindness
Giving back doesn’t have to be traditional. Here are a few other creative ways to spread cheer this season:
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup or park restoration project.
- Deliver baked goods or small gifts to first responders.
- Offer services like babysitting or errands to someone in need of extra support.
Simplified can help you brainstorm and execute unique ideas to give back in a way that’s meaningful to you. Here are a few more ideas on how you can volunteer this holiday season:
- Sing carols around Boston – It may sound hokey, but nothing quite brings out the holiday spirit like music. Join the Annual Boston Caroling Mob to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
- Provide cold weather essentials – Many homeless shelters like Rosie’s Place in Boston need items such as gloves, hats, scarves, and winter coats.
- Clean out your old blankets & towels – If you’re looking to make room for new bedding and towels, the MSPCA would love your old ones for their shelter animals. If you don’t have time to drop them off, call Simplified and we can drop off the donation for you.
- Volunteer with children – It can be tough to find volunteer organizations that allow you to bring your children along. That’s why we love Doing Good Together Boston. They provide monthly opportunities for you to show your children the value of giving back.
Despite being busy this time of year, you’ll never regret clearing your schedule to lend a helping hand. Need help finding the perfect volunteer opportunity this holiday season? Our team can help find you options and so much more. Learn more about our holiday services.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.