Ways to Give Back | Graphic by Rose Taylor | The Wright State Guardian
As we get further into this holiday season, it is important to remember what the holidays are truly about and how we can help other people and the community around us.
Angel Tree
Angel Tree is a subgroup of the Salvation Army, which is a movement created to help those in need. The Angel Tree program is something that the Salvation Army does each year to help support families in need around the holidays.
Families can register to be “angels” and, once that is complete, they share a list of things their family needs, as well as toys or items their children want for the holidays. People who want to volunteer with the program can pick a family and buy items off their list.
Janet Geer, a contributor for the Angel Tree, shared why she volunteers for them.
“I do it every year, I take a family and shop for them. It’s for the children, I want to help all kids have a good Christmas and it doesn’t take much to help the less fortunate,” Geer said.
One thing people like about this organization is the fact that there are different locations all across the country, giving all volunteers the opportunity to give back in their own community.
Operation Christmas Child
Similar to the Angel Tree program, Operation Christmas Child is an organization created to help give children all across the world the opportunity to celebrate the holidays.
The biggest difference between these two programs is that the Salvation Army is focused on local families whereas Operation Christmas Child was made to help support kids in third-world countries.
Elizabeth Toth, a volunteer for Operation Christmas Child, shared what her experience working with them has been like.
“I think they do a very unique thing, giving presents to kids all across the world, most of whom haven’t ever gotten a present before. It also gives them more than just supplies they need, each box is personalized with gifts to make the holidays special for the kids,” Toth said.
Save the Children
Another organization that you can volunteer with this holiday season is Save the Children. This organization has many different ways you can give.
They have relief funds set up for people in emergency relief zones, like the children in Gaza, as well as U.S. programs that are more focused on needs their families cannot provide, such as school supplies and healthy snacks.
As a volunteer, you can choose which of the many different charities you want to donate to, and the website gives you the option to select what you want to donate or how much, allowing you to decide what donation to make.
The holidays are right around the corner. As you shop for friends and family, remember what the holidays are about and get out in the community and donate to whichever charity speaks to you.
