We’ve had a rough and tumble election season, so with the holidays coming up, we want to share some ideas on how each of us can give back to our communities. We could all benefit from a little bit of kindness and nothing creates that faster than sharing your kindness with someone else first.
The number of organizations in need of donations of time or money can seem overwhelming. If you need help narrowing it down, VolunteerMatch.org and GreatNonprofits can help you find a local cause that’s important to you. If you’d like to donate money to an organization, Charity Navigator can help. Additionally, federal employees can take part in the Combined Federal Campaign, which promotes philanthropy through a workplace charity campaign.
If you want to know more about various charities, Give.org, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, offers a wealth of information.
If you’re still on the hunt for charitable opportunities, you can contact local hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, libraries, churches, homeless shelters, fire departments, police departments — really, the list goes on and on.
Perhaps the simplest, easiest, and least expensive gift you can give someone else this holiday season is a personal note reflecting on the most important positive traits you see in someone you care about. Stop and critically think about ONE thing you truly admire about someone you know and write it down with attention to detail on why you feel that way. Share it with them and be sure to look them directly in the eye so they know how much you mean it. Do this for a family member, a friend, or a coworker and give the gift of feeling truly appreciated to someone you care about.
Is your office place in a bit of disarray with stress? Break off into groups of 4 or 5 and have everyone anonymously follow the techniques above and shower each person with 4 to 5 focused compliments. Post the compliments in a place where everyone will see them. This daily reminder will not only inspire each person to strive for their best each day, it will also remind everyone they are surrounded by some really good people!
Let us know how you plan to share your love and kindness this holiday season with some comments below!
