It's the season of giving once more, and aside from giving gifts to friends and loved ones, people are also making time to donate goods to their favorite charities to spread some cheer for the holidays. Organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army are sure to receive a lot of gently used items this year which will be sold in their thrift shops to raise funds for those in need. Goodwill alone receives over 75 millions items annually, and some of these goods include clothing, bicycles, toys, and electronics. Although donating to these organizations is a great option for many people, it can feel a little impersonal, and there's no way to know if anybody will use the donated items.
There's certainly nothing wrong with donating to these organizations since it's all for a good cause. However, to boost the holiday spirit, consider giving locally to bless an individual, family, or organization in your community. Giving locally not only allows you to provide much-needed items to less fortunate neighbors, but you'll also see firsthand how your gifts are being put to work. Here are some community gifting ideas to spread some cheer for the holidays.
Donate Your Surplus Tech
Tech devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are essentials for schoolchildren since they introduce them to various arts and sciences, and they also enable them to participate in online school activities and projects. However, many kids from poor families are unable to have access to tech that they sorely need for school. Fortunately, local organizations like the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has opened applications for a grant program that will fund distribution of free laptops to low-income households.
Individuals can also do their part by donating their surplus tech to public libraries or schools. If you want your laptop to be given to a child or family in need, contact your local church or civic club, who may give you a referral and help you get in touch with your holiday gift recipient. Before giving away your laptop or mobile phone though, back up all your documents, files, and photos, then delete everything from your old device. If a child will use the gadget, see to it that the gift is tech-safe by removing inappropriate apps such as online gaming, dating, messaging, or content sharing apps. Wipe the hard drive and do a factory reset, then thoroughly clean the device's exterior to get rid of grime, fingerprints, and food or dust particles.
Give Toys to Kids in Hospitals
Every parent wants their child to be healthy and happy, so it can be heartbreaking for families if one of their youngest members is at the hospital during the holidays. Spending time in the hospital can be tough on children, so make them happy by delivering a few gifts. Institutions like St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children accept toy donations, and so does Bryn Mawr Hospital. Check to see if the hospitals in your community has a wish list and if there are any delivery protocols to follow. As to what to give to the little ones, plush toys are always a classic, as well as books, coloring books, crayons, markers, puzzles, new blankets, and e-readers.
Give the Gift of Coziness and Warmth with Hand-Knitted Items
There's nothing like a thick, cozy sweater, a blanket, scarf, and gloves to keep the chill away during the winter holidays, so why not donate some newly knitted items to those who need them? If you love to knit, form a knitting group with friends and family members who share your passion, then plan on knitting some items for those in emergency housing or shelters. Places like Liberty House, The Refuge, Community Shelter Services, and Ruth's Place provide not only a safe home for those experiencing homelessness, but they also give access to clothing, making them the perfect shelters to drop off your knitted goods.
If you're donating to shelters, you may also want to consider adding some personal hygiene supplies, some bath towels, and some laundry detergent to your knitted items since these are sorely needed by those who are staying there. Place items in a useful container, such as a fabric bag or a small plastic storage bin which they can use to store their belongings or non-perishable food.
The people who need your help the most may be living just a few blocks away from you. Consider these community gifting ideas to share your blessings with your neighbors, and experience lasting warmth from the joy and beauty of giving.
