Giving back to the community during the holiday season is a deep-rooted tradition in the U.S.
Besides making monetary donations Americans contribute their time and effort. Time really is the most precious gift that you can give, especially with our hectic lifestyle nowadays.
Those with lower income can find ways to support and help the less fortunate by simply expressing gratitude towards them as well as serving and protecting them.
Some join one-time volunteer projects, others make a long-term commitment to a cause of their choice.
Many Americans volunteer to support veterans and their families, spend time in hospitals and organize holiday celebrations for patients.
There are multiple organizations and initiatives that one can join. Just to name a few:
Operation Gratitude operates year-round and creates close bonds between Americans and their Military. With the help of thousands of volunteers through letter writing events, care package campaigns and craft projects, this organization helps civilians to express gratitude and support to those who serve.
The non-profit animal welfare organization Central California SPCA provides protection, placement and education to ensure responsible animal care. Their volunteers help with fundraising events, adoption, walking dogs, cleaning kennels and socializing animals.
Food Bank of North Alabama volunteers inspect, sort and pack food donation into ready-to-go boxes and help with initiatives aimed at hunger’s root causes.
Even small thrift stores like Clothes Less Traveled benefit from few volunteer hours helping with running their charity store, organizing sales and other community events.
America House team is a strong supporter of volunteering as well. In the past years we've joined various initiatives and participated in park cleanups, collected stationary supplies and clothes for orphanages and IDPs, donated paintings to charity auctions…etc.
This year we are going to organize a Community kitchen: Bake & Share initiative that you can join. On December 19th our 2nd floor will turn into a community kitchen where anyone can join and together with us bake and pack goodies for those in need.
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Sometimes we might feel a bit glum. We feel as being stuck with hectic life issues, the need to track every penny spent, and all these uncomfortable moments might push us towards closing ourselves off from others and being always ‘switched on’. There are different ways to deal with this and one of them is volunteering. Working with and helping people you may not even know helps us to shift our attention and puts your mind to rest and quietness those whirring thoughts.
For many helping others puts things into perspective as very often we concentrate and get stuck with what we want now and take everything else we have at the moment for granted. Volunteering can be an eye-opening experience as well, as it gets us out of our comfort zone and social bubble. For those who get stressed out about family or friends gathering during the holiday season, volunteering might be an acknowledgment that it is not so bad to have someone to spend time with as others might not have. Also, volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make new acquaintances and connect with community. When helping others you establish a special bond with those you volunteer and with those you help. Of course, you do not get paid, but these actions are rewarding in and of themselves. Volunteering your time might bring unexpected outcomes – the already mentioned connections, skills, knowledge as well as it will help you to reevaluate your life and goals. And last but not least, you’ll definitely be satisfied and happy from seeing those you helped and will share the company of others who are doing the same.