As the Christmas season approaches so does the giving spirit. The common phrase “Christmas is the most wonderful year” doesn’t just come from receiving gifts. It comes from people finding it out of the goodness of their heart to give to those who don’t have very much. Whether it’s providing Christmas gifts to those in need, or simply writing a card. There are so many ways you can help those who really need it this Christmas season.
1. Angel Tree: Providing Christmas Presents to Those Who Need It
Located at your local Walmart, the Salvation Army has partnered with Walmart the last 40 years to bring the community an Angel Tree. All you have to do is pick a tag off the angel tree and buy the gift provided on the tag and bring it back by the deadline.
According to the Salvation Army, “Recognizing that every child deserves to feel the joy of Christmas, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children in need each year.”
2. Leave a Christmas Card or Goody Bag for the Mail Carriers
During the cold and frigid season being a mail carrier may be a hard job, simply giving them a Christmas card or goodie bag could really make their day. A goodie bag could be as simple as this: a pack of hot cocoa, hand warmers, mittens, lip balm, and gloves. Adding a perfect handmade touch could mean pulling out some markers and some printer paper and creating a handmade card.
3. Donate to Local Clothing and Hygiene Drives
During the holiday season it’s not just important that we guarantee a christmas that every child gets something they want but, it’s also important that people around us have things they need to care for themselves and properly keep themselves warm during the winter seasons.
Liberty Belles dance team is collecting new/gently used coats and hygiene products for those in need. All items are due by Dec. 17th. If you would like to make a donation, contact a varsity Belle to arrange a time for the Liberty Belles to pick up your donation.
Personal hygiene products to donate: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shave gel, deodorant, comb, razor, lip balm, face cloth, bandages, hand sanitizer, tissues, nail clippers, hair ties, and feminine hygiene products.
4. Run a 5k to Support a Local Cause
A great way to support a local charity is running a 5k to show your support. It’s always important to remember to train in preparation for the race. Remember to stretch before you run.
5. Bake Cookies and Deliver Them to a Fire Department
While we are enjoying our nice long holiday break some first responders aren’t granted with a christmas break employees like local firefighters are still working 24 hours on national holiday like Christmas a great way to thank firefighters for all the do could be as simple as delivering a batch of cookies or a hot meal to your local fire department.
6. Donate to the Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House provides housing to sick children with a free place for their family to stay. You can donate to the Ronald McDonald House this christmas season. Located on the Ronald McDonald house webpage is a wishlist of items you can donate during the holiday season.
Cleaning Supplies
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Dusting spray (Pledge)
- 13 gallon trash bags (Glad ForceFlex)
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Air freshener
- Liquid hand soap
Kitchen Items
- Sweet and salty individually wrapped snacks
- Lunch items
- Individual cereal cups
- Non-stick frying pans
- Aluminum foil
- Ziplock bags (all sizes)
- To-go meal containers
- Landry items
- Laundry detergent
- Softener sheets
You can also choose to shop from the Holiday Themed Wishlist for kids and parents in the holiday season if you can give, give what you can anything helps.
7. Provide Cards for Sick Children Through St. Jude
In the Christmas season there is nothing more miserable than sitting in a hospital bed all day every day during the Christmas season. Create an online Christmas card through St. Jude Today! Here how to do it:
- First select the design of your desired card
- Next, write a message or select a pre-written message
- Next sign your card and send it off
8. Donate to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s mission is to better the lives of others around of us and create a lasting impact.
If you’re wanting to help someone in need during the christmas season a $75 dollar donation helps provide christmas gifts to a child need in Christmas season.
There are various ways you can donate to the Salvation Army, “You can help families in your community during the holidays and beyond.”
If your looking too help someone during the christmas and beyond there are several different ways you can help
- A $25 donation can help provide shelter to someone in need
- A $50 donation can help feed 20 people within your community
- A $400 dollar donation will help pay for a month of rent for a family of four
9. Donate Blood
According to American Red Cross, “American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals.”
If you have the universal blood type, O-, you are highly encouraged to give blood, but any blood type will be greatly accepted.
Upcoming Blood Drives
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St. Charles County Blood Donation Center
- 252 Mid Rivers Center
Saint Peters, Mo. 63376 - 12/12/2023 | 07:30 a.m. – 03:30 p.m.
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Lake St. Louis Police Department
- 200 Civic Center Dr
Lake Saint Louis, Mo. 63367 - 12/13/2023 | 02:00 p.m. – 07:00 p.m.
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O’Fallon Missouri YMCA
- 3451 Pheasant Meadow Dr
O ‘Fallon, Mo. 63368 - 12/20/2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m.
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Middendorf-Kredell Branch Library
- 2750 Highway K
O’Fallon, Mo. 63366 - 12/26/2023 | 01:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
10. Adopt a Family During the Christmas Season Through Our Little Haven
A St. Louis Company, Our Little Haven. Support families through the Adopt a Family program. “We have three ways to provide support to children and families this holiday season, through both financial donations and gift items.” says Our Little Haven.
If you’re interested in adopting a family throughout Our Little Haven there are three steps.
1. Fill out the form to sign up
You will need to provide the following information
- Contact name
- Email address
- Phone number
- How many children you are able to support
- Preferred timing for your drop off (Early or Late Drop out)
2. Our Little Haven will send you a family wish list
The list will include everything you need to know about the child you are shopping for including the:
- Child’s age
- Gender
- Sizes
- Gift suggestions
- Family’s needs
Along with that, there will be instructions for shopping, labeling and how to drop off.
3. Shop for wish list items and drop off
After getting the items, follow the instructions of how to label the gifts and drop off.
The Christmas season is ultimately about finding in your heart to help someone who needs it most during this season so, provide someone a wonderful Christmas this holiday season. Whether you’re buying a gift or donating to a clothing drive, make the most of giving this season.
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