By Development and Communications Manager Rachel White
This time of year is full of festive occasions where we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season. While we may enjoy the delicious food and thoughtful gifts, sometimes all the dining and shopping can feel a bit overwhelming. To balance out the season’s abundance, many of our neighbors integrate giving into their festivities.
Here are four ways you can benefit others while celebrating the holidays:
1. Hostess Gifts
Who needs a dozen gift baskets full of snacks and plastic packaging?
A great way to encourage generosity is to ask for non-perishable food donations as a hostess gift. Hosts are relieved not to receive an abundance of space-consuming treats, and guests can feel good about helping others while they party!
2. Gifts in Honor of Loved Ones
What do you get for the person who has everything? How about ten meals for their neighbors? Or field trips for local refugee and immigrant teens?
Shopping for holiday gifts can be stressful, especially for loved ones who are hard to shop for. Get rid of that stress by making a gift in their honor.
You’ll both know that money was well spent improving the lives of our neighbors. An added bonus is the lighter environmental footprint you’ll make!
3. Volunteer Together
We love to gather over the holidays, often spending extended periods of time with family and friends. Have you ever run out of things to do?
This year, consider volunteering together! Your family will bond as you serve others. Whether you’re serving a hot meal at a homeless shelter or hosting a food drive to feed local families, the warmth you feel will heat you all winter.
4. Giving Machine
You can also make an impact through the Giving Machine at Tanger Outlets in Washington, PA this year. They let you “buy” meaningful items — like meals or youth program support — that go directly to our neighbors, adding a little extra joy to your holiday outings.
Now is a great time to spread kindness and joy. As we reflect on our year, giving reinforces our shared humanity. Together, we can build a community where everyone can thrive and now is a great time to show our neighbors that we care for them.
