It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is one for joy, excitement, and, best of all: giving back. Here at Southgate, we know and love just how active and involved our residents are in volunteering for the community.
If you find yourself with time to spare and kindness to give this holiday season but aren’t sure where to start, we have plenty of ideas for how to give back to members and organizations in your local community.
Volunteer Locally
If you want to donate your time, becoming a volunteer may be the perfect way to give back.
At this time of year, schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations are looking for volunteers to help with events and projects. Additionally, you can volunteer at places such as Meals on Wheels to deliver prepared hot and cold food to local community members or the Worcester County Food Bank to sort and package donated items.
Donate
If you feel the urge to give back with physical items, consider donating to charities, shelters, or families in need. Handmade donations, such as clothes, cards, or gifts (like sweaters, hands, and mittens), may very well make a huge difference in someone’s life during the holidays.
Check nearby organizations to see if they’re collecting specific donations, such as coats for children or toys. Currently, the Shrewsbury Police Department is collecting new toys, gift cards, personal care items, and new clothes for children (infant-teen years). You can drop off your donations now through December 7th.
Pay it Forward
Paying it forward and passing kindness on to others is a great way to encourage others to get involved in giving back. You can do this by starting a fundraiser for someone in need, paying for someone else’s coffee at a cafe, or even sponsoring a family for the holidays. Operation ELF is an organization in central Massachusetts that allows you to sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays. Once you sign up, you’ll be matched with a child and sent a list of things they’re wishing for this year and a place to drop off your donations.
At Southgate at Shrewsbury, we encourage all of our residents to spend their free time in retirement doing meaningful activities that make them feel happy and fulfilled. If you have the time to spare this holiday season, consider giving back to your local community and helping those in need.