It is officially the holiday season, the trees are decorated and the streets are lined with twinkly lights. No matter what tradition you celebrate it is a wonderful time that brings friends and family from all over the world together. It is easy so get caught up in making cookies and buying presents and to forget about the true spirit for the holidays.
Now more than ever people need each other more than anything else. For many this holiday season will be a difficult one, many have lost their homes, their jobs and are running only on faith and support from others. There are many things we can do this year to keep the holiday spirit alive and remind people that we are in this together and they are not forgotten.
Adopt A Family- There are many different chapters and organizations that are involved in this program. You adopt a family that doesn’t have any resources to create a Christmas for their family. You find out their sizes and wish list and send them presents and cards.
Volunteer Your Time- Hands on Bay Area is an example of a wonderful organization that offers many different types of volunteer activities and times so that is is convenient for your life. They offer everything from reading books to little kids, to wrapping donated presents for those less fortunate.
Providing Food- Project Open Hand is a joint volunteer effort that provides food to seniors that need it people suffering from HIV and AIDS and critically ill people that are bound to their bed. The program also helps educate them about important nutrition that help will lengthen their life.
Getting your office involved- There are numerous places and organizations that you can get involved with over the holidays. There are also lots of resources like Volunteer Match where you can find the right project and location. Strength and success always come in numbers so why not get your office involved. Send out a friendly email or post a note in a common area and ask people to ban with you to volunteer.
Most importantly don’t forget how lucky you are and all that you have to be thankful for. “Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.” Albert Einstein
Tags: adopt a family, Albert Einstein, Christmas, faith, family, giving back, Hands On Bay Area, helping, office, people, Project Open Hand, relationships, soup kitchen, spirit, volunteer, Volunteer Match, wish, wrapping presents
