The Season of Giving: How We Will Give Back This Year

One of the most wonderful things about the holiday season is the spirit of community that brings people together. If you’ve been thinking about giving back—whether it’s your time, money, or something else—that generous spirit is exactly what makes this season so special.

At Freedom Debt Relief, our desire to give back this time of year is a big part of the holiday feeling of community spirit.

How you give back during the holidays can vary based on your means and values. You can donate money, time, goods, or some combination of the three. You can do it on your own or as a family.

Not sure how to best contribute this year? Consider these suggestions on how to give back for the holidays no matter your budget.

Ways Families Can Give Back Together

Not only could giving back as a family bring you closer, but it could also help children learn important lessons about generosity and helping others. Use these tips to come up with ideas for ways you can give back as a family.

Bring the family together to brainstorm

Everyone is more invested in a plan when they've helped contribute to it. Hold a family meeting to talk about why you should give back and the different ways you can do so (donating time, money, and/or goods).

Let each person discuss causes or activities that are important to them. Then, you can hold a vote to decide on what ways you'll give back as a family this year.

Family-friendly giving activities

You can make the idea of giving back more fun by turning it into an activity. Try these suggestions to start:

• Create a points system for volunteering or random acts of kindness, and see who can score the highest.

• Plan a family grocery trip with a list of high-demand foods to donate.

• Have kids show off their reading skills by sharing stories at a local senior center.

• Organize a toy or book drive for local charities.

• Show off arts and crafts skills with homemade gifts and holiday cards.

• Set aside volunteer days where everyone participates together.

• Put on a family bake sale and donate the proceeds.

• Join a community enrichment activity, like a clean-up project.

• Help mobility-limited neighbors with household tasks and chores.

Create holiday donation jars

Encourage generosity and giving all year long by setting up a family donation jar. Kids can donate part of their allowance or do chores to contribute to the jar. Then, let everyone vote on which charities to donate to during the holiday season.

Involve children in donations

You're never too young to work on being generous. Young children may not have the same volunteer opportunities as older ones, but they can still participate in other ways. Use some of our suggestions above for ways to get your young ones involved in holiday giving.

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Choose Charities That Mean the Most to You

Even a small donation can do a lot of good in the hands of a reputable charity. So, you can make a difference no matter your budget. 

Choose one or two organizations that really mean a lot to your or your family. Discuss why the organization is worth helping and how to budget for charitable giving as a family.

Need a few ideas? Take a look at how some of the FreedomDebtRelief team is giving back during the holiday season.

• "Food Insecurity for Americans is at an all-time high. I have been donating to The Farmlink Project and reaching out to our own family members. Love and help begins at home." — Henri Dawes, Senior Director, Learning and Development

• "I will be giving back by volunteering with and donating to Rescue a Golden of Arizona. As the former President, this charity is close to my heart. I have intimate knowledge and understanding of why it is so important to help animals—after all, they can’t help themselves." — Heather Marcom, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition

• "I feel very blessed that I am in a position to help others. I am going to make a donation to the Valley of the Sun United Way. My donation will be doubled by Freedom Debt Relief, making an even greater impact." — Loretta O’Donnell, Senior Recruiter

• "This year I will be financially supporting the World Central Kitchen, which provides over 250,000 fresh meals each day to those without consistent access to food. If you happen to be tight on money this year but still want to help your community, consider donating anything you no longer need like kitchen items, books, clothes, or furniture." — Jordan Figueroa, Client Services Coach

Giving to Others Doesn’t Have to Cost Anything

Here are a few suggestions from the team for giving back with your time:

• "Share a smile! They are free, yet priceless." — Leonetha Ward, Client Advocate

• "Call a friend or family member to tell them you were thinking of them and why you are grateful for them! During such a busy season, sometimes the most valuable gift you can give is your time." — Lauren Moore, Client Services Supervisor

• "I’ll be writing personalized Christmas cards to my friends and family to show that I’m thinking of them. Remember how precious time is and to always care for those around you." — Andrew Liam, Recruiter

Sustainable Giving On a Budget

You don't need to donate a certain amount to make a difference. A good charity will be happy to accept any donation you can afford to make. That said, there are a few ways you can make giving easier on any budget.

Set aside a donation fund and add to it year-round

It's often easier to save a little bit at a time than to fit a big donation into the budget once a year. Keep a giving fund in a savings account that you can contribute to throughout the year as you have a bit to spare. Choose a high-yield savings account so your money accrues interest, too.

Pick up donation items during sales

Most places have similar needs year after year. Make a list of items you'd like to donate, then watch for sales throughout the year. (FYI: This strategy works great for holiday gift shopping, too!)

Look for donation matches

You can make even small donations go further if you can get them matched. Check with your employer, school, or membership organizations to see if they match charitable donations.

Turn credit card and loyalty rewards into donations

A simple method of saving up for a holiday donation is to simply let your credit card or other rewards stack up during the year. Many major card issuers offer the option to redeem cash back and points directly to charitable donations. Some airlines even let you donate frequent flyer miles to eligible organizations.

Shop with purpose

One way to make a difference all year long is to be purposeful about where you spend your money. Shop with ethical companies that give back through direct donations, regular fundraising events, or sponsoring charitable foundations.

Volunteer Opportunities That Don't Cost Money

Sometimes we're richer in time than money. Besides, some needs can't be met by writing a check. Create value with your time and give it to those who need it most this season. 

There are many great ways to volunteer your time to help your friends, neighbors, and community during the holidays. You can:

• Volunteer at a food bank, homeless shelter, or animal rescue

• Donate your professional skills to people or organizations in need

• Help physically limited neighbors perform needed tasks and chores

• Participate in a charity walk or other fundraising event

• Visit nursing homes, care facilities, or elderly neighbors

• Organize a community clean-up project

• Join a community enrichment group

• Give blood

Most of these volunteer opportunities are things you can do on your own or as a family, though some may not be suitable for younger children.

How Are You Giving Back?

There's no wrong way to give back. Whether you have a big budget or small, donate your money, goods, or time—it's all a part of fostering the sense of community at the heart of the holidays. 

Celebrating the season of giving is even more rewarding when you spread warmth and cheer to those who need it. From the Freedom Family to yours, may your holidays be merry and bright this year!