Four Ways to Give Back

Through Common Table, volunteer to prepare and/or serve hot meals to people in need any day of the week. There are no eligibility requirements for patrons: all are welcome! Established in 2010, Common Table serves 500+ folks from all walks of life each week. nourishtogether.org

Drive home-bound elderly/disabled Manhattan residents to local medical appointments through The Flint Hills Volunteer Center. flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/volunteer-opportunities-2

The Neighbor 2 Neighbor program helps elderly residents remain in their home by connecting them to volunteers who help with basic yard work, leaf raking, and snow shoveling. flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/neighbor2neighbor

Winter is a great time to donate gently used or new coats, hats and gloves. USD #383 FIT Closet provides school-appropriate clothing, school supplies, and personal hygiene items to students who lack consistent housing or qualify for free/reduced lunch. fitcloset.org

The Mayor's Holiday Food and Fund Drive is in full swing at the Flint Hills Breadbasket. Requested items included fresh meat & produce, hearty & creamy soups, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, and peanut butter. flinthillsbreadbasket.org

Be Able supports individuals experiencing extreme adversity by providing access to food, a comfortable space, and a positive circle of people. Individuals receive help navigating the systems to attain medical and mental health resources, employment training, and housing assistance. beablecommunity.com

Are you knowledgeable about the college application process? Matchlighters pairs high-achieving, low-income students with experienced college counselors for free. collegeessayguy.com/matchlighters/counselors

Help members of the community with their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Volunteers receive training and certification. flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/volunteer-opportunities-2/

Passionate about preserving the most endangered ecosystem in the world, the tall grass prairie? The Konza Prairie Docent Program offers training for those interested in volunteering at the Konza. keep.konza.k-state.edu/docents/orientation.html

Write positive reviews for your favorite small businesses on their Yelp page, Google Business Profile, or Facebook page. These reviews help other shoppers find the businesses when they’re searching online.

Post and tag small businesses on social media. This is another no-cost way to spread the word about businesses that go above and beyond. 

If your current budget allows, give a holiday tip to the people who make a big difference in your day-to-day life: your delivery drivers, hair stylist, babysitter, pet walker/ sitter, housekeeper, landscapers, and newspaper carrier. When you go out, consider tipping a little extra. These small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s day or even holiday season.