Top Utah lifestyle blog, Among the Young, features the best ways to give back to the community this Christmas season. The best part? Your kids can help!
Christmas time is one of the best times of the year. The lights, smells, snow … it’s all just so magical. During this special season, I like to find ways to give back to the community by sharing necessary items, gifts, treats, etc. to those in need.
Give Back to the Community
When I think about service, I’m quick to jump at the chance to serve my neighbors by making them a treat. You think I’m joking. I ALWAYS have the ingredients to make my Symphony brownies, Scotch-a-roos, and Chex Mix because you never know when someone is going to need a treat.
But when it comes to people who live outside of my small neighborhood, I sometimes get stuck.
The time I usually feel the most guilty is when I drive by someone holding a sign that says, “I need help” or I walk past a homeless person on the street. I have nothing to give and I always want to give but I never have any cash.
Here’s an example: One time I had leftovers after eating at an expensive restaurant in Salt Lake City. The food I was saving was untouched and would make the perfect leftover later. I asked for a to-go box and we left the restaurant. As we walked back to our car there was a man on the side of the sidewalk asking for food, so I gave him my box. I’m not sure if he was appreciative or disgusted by my to-go box, but I felt good either way.
Easy ways to give back to the community
I want my kids to see me give back to the community. Christmas is the EASIEST time to do this, but I SHOULD be better about it all year long.
So this year, I did something about it. I went to the Dollar Store and tried to think of things that would be NECESSARY but not money and not my to-go box of fancy food. (Bless my heart!) I ended up buying socks, granola bars, and fruit snacks. No, it’s no.
How to involve your kids
The shopping:
My girls loved participating in the shopping. They saw how much good we could do and we didn’t have to spend a lot.
Let your kids help by picking out items that would be useful and then help pay.
The assembling:
My girls loved rolling the socks, stuffing them with granola bars, and tying the knots off.
Let your kids help by wrapping – it might not be pretty (the ones pictured were wrapped by me!) but the point gets across and the gift still holds the same value.
What are some ways you involve your kids to serve and give back to the community?
Looking for other awesome ways to serve others and give back to the community this holiday season?
My friend McKenzie at Girl Loves Glam has an amazing service advent calendar and a really cute service printable to get their little minds thinking of how they can help others!
Also, my girl Danielle from Today’s the Best Day always has amazing service opportunities – not just at Christmas!
How do you like to give back to your community? Let me know in a comment below!
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