Christmas Cheer – 4 Ideas For Helping Those In Need This Holiday Season

Image: Unsplash Kira Auf der Heide

There are many different ways to find fulfillment during the festive season. For many people who are struggling financially, a hot meal is an ultimate goal. For others, it’s being able to see their loved ones. It’s not possible to make everyone’s dreams come true, but it is possible to ease the burden in certain situations. Here are four practical ways you can help someone in need this holiday season:

1. Create our Own DIY Feeding Scheme

You don’t have to belong to a recognized organization to feed the hungry. You don’t even need a public space to do so. Put your best crowd-pleasing recipes (that are cost-effective) to use, alongside your home cookware sets to whip up neat food portions. It needn’t be fancy – keep it simple with pastries, hot dogs, rice and curry, or even portions of soup and bread. Drive around and hand out portions of food to whoever looks hungry. Stop in areas you know are financially pressed and knock on doors. Bring a buddy or two with you to help out and keep each other safe.  

2. Sponsor A Family

The holiday season might be a large expense for those of us who are fairly secure, financially. For others, something as simple as a good dinner and a present for each child is enough – and yet – they’re unable to make this happen. You can sponsor a simple meal and an age-appropriate gift for each child. How do you source a family that genuinely needs the help?

Social media is one resource platform. If you are part of a community or a buy and sell group on Facebook, no doubt you have seen people posting items for sale because they are battling to make ends meet. Look through groups that are for your local community until you find a family you feel compelled to assist. Also, pay attention to your surroundings when you are out and about. If you see poverty-stricken individuals, approach them and offer to sponsor their Christmas. 

3. Sponsor A Child

If sponsoring a family sounds overwhelming, just sponsor a child. There are many community outreach programs and global initiatives you can join. They generally work one of two ways – you can purchase the gift and wrap it and donate it. Others will ask for a financial donation and they then purchase and wrap the gifts and hand them out. If you know a family who can’t provide their child with a gift, forego the charity and quietly offer to be their Santa Claus. 

4. Reach Out

Not everyone battling during the festive season is needy in a financial sense. Some have a roof over their heads and the means to enjoy a festive dinner, but battle with a mental illness like depression. People often manage to function despite desperate loneliness and grief, with their pain hidden behind locked doors. If you know someone who doesn’t socialize much and appears to be alone most of the time – especially older folks – a dinner invitation is often the difference between life and death. Suicide rates skyrocket during the time of festivities as many people become acutely aware of their loneliness in contrast to others who enjoy family gatherings and gifts. Reach out, share, and connect with those around you.

Make The Festive Season Meaningful

They say kindness and giving is the greatest gift of all. As you go into the world and spread joy to those less fortunate than you, remember that receiving your charity is their gift to you, too. Thank them for their humility and allow the joy of giving to bless your heart during this holiday.