By Autumnkat
on Nov 14, 2011  

Several years ago, my best friends and I decided that our money for each others' Christmas gifts would be better spent doing something good. We started then to make a donation to a favorite charity in each others' names. Who needs another cookbook when I know that a donation might help a single mom escape an abusive spouse???

By rosepowell
on Nov 14, 2011  

The holiday season is tough, but if I remember my history, it could be tougher than a long shopping list. So every year, I try and sponsor a child or a family, if I can't do the whole family, I try to get a couple of kids, J.C. Penny has an angel tree, or local churches, there are plenty of opportunities to give back. Don't throw your old coats away, donate them. I always feel better knowing that I've helped make someone's Christmas dream come true. Also my Girl Scout Troop is volunteering all year round at a shelter by cooking meals and reading a story to the kids before bed. It's those things that I enjoy and those things that are important.

By buttercup3
on Nov 14, 2011  

My church has a tree with "ornaments" with people from a mental health association that are need of gifts. Every year I choose one for a child close to the age of each of my three children. I then have my kids choose the gift, help wrap it, and they put it under the tree. It accomplishes 2 things. We are helping people in need and my children are learning to love helping others :)

By Kimmy951
on Nov 14, 2011  

Does anyone know where a family in need can ask for help ? We wont be able to provide our kids with anything for christmas because were so backed up on bills

By marriedgirl27
on Nov 14, 2011  

Kimmy915 - You can contact a local church, they can usually help or know places that can help.

By Susan11
on Nov 14, 2011  

I belong to 2 local clubs that serve the community. We help at the local foodbank, make care packages for the local nursing homes, send care packages to our men and women in the military and help support other charities.

By lauriehs75
on Nov 14, 2011  

My office chips in and covers Christmas, including food and gifts, for either a family or a shelter. Our way of giving back and bringing the office together.

By wesill
on Nov 15, 2011  

I always give gifts to those in need whether it is new clothes toys or something else. It is the least I can do.

By Rowerpower
on Nov 15, 2011  

I always let my daughter pick and choose who we will help out each holiday season. That way she understands that there are a lot of other people out there who are not as fortunate as we are. It makes her feel good to know that she has helped someone else out, whether it was buying necessities for someone in need or a toy for a little kid, or even cleaning someones home. I think it has made her treat people with more compassion.