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Often, when we hear the term “giving back,” we automatically think of a monetary donation — writing a check, contributing to a charity drive, or giving money to those in need. While these gestures are certainly important, giving back during the holiday season can go far beyond just financial contributions. The holidays offer so many opportunities to help those in our community who may need uplifting, and to do it with your little ones and other loved ones. Whether that’s through volunteering your time and talents, donating goods, or other acts of service, now is the perfect time to help teach our children about the importance of giving back. 

READ MORE: 8 Powerful Ways to Teach Children the Joy of Giving (Action for Children)

Here are some thoughtful and accessible ideas to help you and your family get involved and spread kindness during the holiday season:

1. Volunteer Your Time

Many different organizations need an extra hand around the holiday season. This can include housing assistance programs, which often provide shelter and resources for families in need, food banks that work tirelessly to ensure people have access to meals, or hospitals and care facilities that may need extra volunteers to assist with patient care or deliver holiday cheer. Make sure to double check age requirements when bringing your family!

Visit Seeds of Caring’s website for local opportunities geared towards children and families.

2. Donate What You Already Have

A lot of us have things lying around the house that we don’t use or need anymore. This can range from toys or clothes that our kids don’t use or fit into anymore, an old piece of décor that we’ve been wanting to get rid of, or a non-perishable food in the cupboard that you thought you would eat but never got around to. Go through your things with your kids so that they can feel the fulfillment of giving after their hard work helping out!

CAP4Kids 2024 Holiday Help List is a great place for you and your family to start!

3. Make Your Own Gifts to Give

While we may not have the means to donate a lot of money, homemade gifts are wonderful giveaways! This can be anything from growing your own herbs in your kitchen for herb bundles to having children draw holiday themed pictures. Be creative—there are many things we can make just with what’s in our home! Many organizations, like assisted living facilities, love these thoughtful gifts that can bring joy to their residents.

Get started with these ideas! Christmas Hands-on Activities (Education.com) | 26 Creatively DIY Crafts to Donate to Your Local Nursing Home (DIYnCrafts) | Christmas Presents Children Can Make (The Empowered Educator)

Children are always watching. In a world where kindness is hard to come by, giving back together is a great way to instill valuable lessons and use your holiday time! For a list of nonprofits doing good in Franklin County, please visit the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County’s list of members. You can also check out VolunteerMatch for statewide volunteer opportunities or visit the Seeds of Caring website for local opportunities geared towards children and families.

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Author: Shea McHugh, Advocacy Associate at Action for Children 

Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.