For many of us, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Between juggling visiting relatives, hosting parties with friends, attending work events, or going the extra mile to create magical memories for our children, remembering to give back often falls by the wayside.
Our everyday responsibilities coupled with the extra yuletide duties might make it seem like finding time for altruistic generosity is an impossible task. But the truth is – it doesn’t have to be. Philanthropy isn’t one-size-fits-all and can fit into any busy schedule.
Doing service to those in need is an important part of fostering a strong community. One small act of kindness can inspire others to do the same, and before you know it, each neighbor feels supported, loved, and connected. When you invest in your community, you create a long-term impact that can change lives.
But charity and kindness don’t just benefit others, they can have tremendously positive effects on your life too. Altruistic acts not only give many people a sense of purpose, they also reduce stress, build empathy, and allow us to feel gratitude for the things we enjoy in our own lives.
Luckily, paying it forward is easier than ever and can be tailored to any budget or time constraint you may have. Several local organizations offer a wide range of opportunities for you to give money, donate items, or volunteer your time. Avid shoppers may enjoy selecting gifts for an Angel Tree child, participating in toy drives, or making creative meal bags for food pantries. If you’re an animal lover, the holidays are a wonderful time to consider spending time volunteering at local animal shelters, or even fostering a furry friend in your home for a while.
Whatever your schedule or circumstances, this curated list of ways to give back locally has something for anyone who wants to make the season of giving a little bit brighter for those in need.
Did you know that Faith Mission shelters accept donations of new household items to give to those leaving the shelter as they move into their own home? New items such as cleaning supplies, pots and pans, utensils, cookware, and can openers can be dropped off at Faith Mission’s Grant Ave. location (245 N Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215).
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital both treats and works to find cures for childhood cancers and diseases. Donations through stjude.org or at events, like Ballard Designs’ Giving Tuesday fundraiser on December 2nd, help support their mission. Donations can also be made through Ballard Designs at ballarddesigns.com.
Food insecurity affects many families in our area, but the Worthington Resource Pantry has opportunities to volunteer by helping shoppers or sorting groceries, and if in-person service isn’t your thing, they accept food and monetary donations too. Donations and volunteer sign-ups are accepted at www.worthingtonresourcepantry.org.
Are you an expert holiday shopper? Franklin County Childrens Services Holiday Wish and the Salvation Army's Angel Tree programs give you the meaningful opportunity to provide children in need with personalized gifts tailored to their interests. Visit fccs.us/holiday-wish or easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/angeltree/ to sponsor a child and make their holiday.
For 48 years, Firefighters 4 Kids has done its part to provide toys for area children. While monetary donations are accepted, the real fun is the annual toy drive at Worthington’s Station 101 (6500 N High St, Worthington, OH) on December 13th. Toys can also be dropped off at any Franklin County Fire Department through Christmas.
In addition to donations, the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Columbus Humane both offer volunteer opportunities to spend time with or even host a furry friend in your home. And who knows? You might just fall in love. Visit columbushumane.org or www.franklincountyohio.gov/Resident-Services/Dogs and get ready for some wagging tails.
Ashley Labaki is a writer and media specialist. After working with families and unhoused individuals for several years as a social services case manager, Ashley likes to give back by supporting nonprofits which assist struggling families and regularly donates to the Columbus Humane Society. She lives in Columbus with her two dogs.