SmartBanking Blog

Your Community and You This Holiday Season

                The holiday season is generally seen as a time to give to others, and if you need ideas this year on little ways you can give back to your community, look no further. Gifting your time, resources, or business to people in your community is an incredible act that not everyone may be able to do, but if you are, let’s look at some easy ways you can do so.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a simple, yet often overlooked, way to help your community during the holidays. Many soup kitchens are seeing an increased number of those in need, especially with the cold weather. Furthermore, many seniors have difficulty driving in the winter, and therefore it is up to volunteers to deliver hot meals, groceries, or other necessities. We recommend contacting your local community kitchen, food bank, or senior center to see what volunteer opportunities they have available.

Donate to Toy and Food Drives

There are many families in your community who have difficulties affording the various holidays we see this time of year. Many organizations will run promotions where proceeds benefit Toys for Tots or local food pantries. If you are in a position to donate new or gently used toys, clothes, or non-perishable food items, these are great opportunities to help your community. A good place to look for these opportunities is your local newspaper or Facebook pages for local nonprofits.

Shop Local

Shopping locally during the holiday season is an excellent way to help your community! Not only do locally owned stores have unique finds and friendly customer service, but supporting your local businesses supports building up your community. When you invest in local business, they invest in you. So, if you can, get out and see what amazing finds you can uncover in your local craft shop, art dealer, or other retailer.

Help Neighbors

Never underestimate the power of one good deed. Look around at your friends and neighbors and see if there is anyone who is perhaps struggling or could use a hand. If you think they would be open, offer to help them or even just spend some extra time with them. Nothing is too small or simple!

                The holiday season is an excellent time to get out in your community and help in any way you can. When you give back and invest your time and resources in your community, you help foster a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. While these are just a few ideas to help you get started, remember that everyone’s ability to help is different and nothing is too small. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and we would like to thank our communities for all that they do!