At BLAST, half of each year seems to revolve around the holidays. Christmas in July takes on a whole new meaning for us, as that's when we begin researching which media outlets will be publishing holiday gift guides that will be a great fit for our clients' products. Seems that everywhere we turn, another magazine editor, newspaper reporter or blogger is recommending the best toys, tech gadgets or fashions for the season. We love it because gift guides give us a great opportunity to have our clients' products showcased during this crucial time for retailers.
In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share a few ideas for generosity this season.
-I was surprised when my hairstylist said that he spent his Thanksgiving with 400 people. Each year, in lieu of gorging themselves on turkey, his family volunteers at a church and serves meals to impoverished citizens-- the 400 meals served this year set a record. Helping to feed the hungry is one of the most popular ways to serve the community. Visit Volunteer Match to find opportunities in your locale.
-Can't find the time to volunteer on-site at a soup kitchen? Sharpen your vocabulary and support the world's largest food aid agency at FreeRice.com. Just spend a few minutes taking the free vocabulary quiz and for each correct answer the United Nations World Food Program will donate 20 grains of rice to those in need.
-Donate to toy drives, like those organized by the United Way , churches or schools. Find one in your area at SecretSanta.org or start your own! It's easier than you may think—simply talk to business owners about your desire to give kids a special Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanza and ask if you can place a collection box in their business. You'll be surprised at how many toys you can collect-- everything from stuffed animals to bicycles. In high school, I organized a toy drive each year and loved driving to each business to see how many toys had been donated. It gave me a great feeling of satisfaction to run out of space in my car and need to make multiple trips from the collection sites to the church that distributed the toys to local families.
-Spend time with somebody who needs you. Some people want nothing more than to spend time with you, so visit your widowed great aunt or help your nephew make cookies. If you don't have any relatives that live close by, consider "adopting" a grandparent or volunteering to help a nursing home organize a holiday party. The gift of your time and attention can be invaluable to someone who's lonely.
-Instead of buying your relatives and friends another sweater, candle or knick knack, consider using the money that you'd spend on a material gift by making a donation to a charity. You can spend $18 to buy a can of worms to help an impoverished farmer fertilize and cultivate his land at Oxfam Unwrapped. Or send greeting cards that benefit a charitable organization, like a children's hospital.
One last recommendation: don't give to The Human Fund!
What are your favorite ways to give and give back during the holidays?
