The holiday season can be a joyous time for many people but unfortunately, in all the festivities it can be easy to forget that not everybody is this lucky and many living in lower class or impoverished situations are not able to enjoy the holidays in the same way. Considering this, it’s important to find some way to help those who may be in need this time of year. Often times the feelings you get from knowing you’ve given back, even in a small manner, can be just as rewarding as everything else that makes the holidays such a magical time of year.

GIVING GIFTS There’s a number of organizations that focus primarily on giving gifts such as toys, clothes and other items to families who may not be able to purchase these things.

One such organization is Toys For Tots, which, according to Toys For Tots Canada, “is a Canadian charity based on local partnerships between Canadian Armed Forces, businesses, and concerned citizenry whose sole focus as an organization is to provide toys for children who are in need,”. They support social services and charities that connect them to families who may be in need. They have a number of partner organizations where people can go to make donations. A full list of locations can be found at ToysForTotsCanada.com/partners.

Another noble organization in this area is The Shoe Box Project, which has locations all across Canada and the US. Those looking to donate can decorate an old Shoe Box then fill it with items that total a value of approximately $50. The boxes are then distributed to women who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. More information can be found at ShoeBoxProject.com/london.

DONATE MONEY

If you do not have the time to make a donation but would still like to make a difference, consider making a financial donation to the charity of your choice. Most of the organizations mentioned above will also accept this type of contribution and there are many other organizations that are also looking for donations of money, no matter how big or small it may be.

Some other local organizations to look into include UnityProject.ca, an organization that works to find housing and supports for those who may be homeless, or MealsOnWheelsLondon.ca, which aims to provide nutritional support to seniors and those with disabilities. Even giving just a small amount of change to your local FillTheKettle.com initiative can have a huge impact on the fight against poverty.

If you’re looking for a great gift idea for the person that has it all, there are organizations which allow you to make donations to a cause in someone’s name or if you’re searching for a physical option, you can purchase items made by artisans in areas of the world where help and funds are needed. Some websites to check out in this regard include WorldVision.ca or Shop.MeToWe.com.

GIVING FOOD

Food donations is also a thoughtful way to ease the burdens of those who are less well-off during the holiday season. One of the most involved places to donate food in London is the London Food Bank, located at 926 Leathorne St. Non-perishable food donations such as canned goods, peanut butter or dried vegetables can be dropped off at the food bank or any grocery store or fire hall in London. Perishable goods such as fruits, veggies, commercially baked goods or fresh/frozen meat must be dropped off directly at the London Food Bank. Purchasing and donating food is quite affordable, yet it can have a major impact on an individual’s life. For more information on donation requirements, go to LondonFoodBank.ca

GIVE TIME

If money is tight and you’re lacking finances to make a major contribution to a cause, consider volunteering your time at one of the organizations already mentioned or the multitude of other causes in the London area. Some organizations that are worth looking into include SalvationArmy.ca, ShelterLondon.org or ArkAidMission.com. There are many more opportunities to make a hands-on difference in the London community and a great resource for this can be found at PillarNonProfit.ca.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering in your local community is getting see the impact that your work is having first hand. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and remind yourself of what this time of year is all about.

By now you should have a good idea on ways to make a difference during this time of year. Whether it be giving time, money, food or other gifts, there are ways that everybody can contribute to making the world a better place. It’s also important not to forget that these issues don’t go away once the holidays are over and if the festivities make you too busy, there are plenty of ways to help those in need all year round.