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We’re fast approaching the time of year when we start scouring stores high and low for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. We pore over toys for little ones, different chocolates for the chocolate lovers in our lives, the latest consoles for teens, and the coziest socks for elderly relatives. The list goes on and on… appropriate gifts for teachers and bosses, subscriptions for book lovers, and presents for under $10 for the yearly secret Santa event in the office. But this year, take a moment to consider those whom we may not know but who are unable to join in on these festivities. The people who may not get a single present under the tree because they don’t have a tree or a place to call home to put one in any way. The lonely elderly who have few contacts to celebrate with. The struggling families who can’t afford to put a Christmas dinner on a plate, so settle for their usual handouts. It’s time to start endowing the spirit of giving with a whole new meaning. Here are a few different charitable acts that you can give a go at what can so easily be the best or most lonely time of year.

 

Purchase an Extra Hot Drink

 

When you head into a cafe to pick up a warming hot drink, why not pick up another for the poor soul who is freezing on the streets outside. If you do this each time you pick up a hot drink, you’ll make one person’s day a little brighter each and every time. It won’t cost you much, but it will make all the difference to warming the stomach and heart of someone sat on the pavement outside.

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Donate to a Food Bank

 

More and more people are relying on the charity of food banks to get by. Whether they attend to get the bulk of their food, or just for extras that can be added to what they currently have to make a full and wholesome meal. Most people who turn to food banks don’t want to: they have just as much pride as the rest of us. But sometimes needs must. Perhaps they have recently lost their job, experienced an accident that has left them with unfathomable medical bills, or a change of circumstances has suddenly turned their life upside down. As the saying goes, everyone, you meet is facing battles you will never know about. So when you’re doing your weekly grocery shop, pick up a couple of extras to donate to your local food bank. Tinned goods are often best, as they keep well and can be transported much more easily than items that need to be chilled or frozen.

 

Volunteer at Care Homes

 

Individuals living in care homes often receive the due care and attention that they need. However, demand for attention is high, and despite administration of medicine and general checkups, many elderly people can find themselves craving a little more attention. Especially during such a nostalgic season. So, if possible, volunteer to visit a care home once a week or every other week. You needn’t have any special care knowledge or experience, as this won’t be your responsibility. Instead, you will simply be present for a chat over a drink. This need only take an hour or so of your time, but it will make a massive difference to those who you keep company. Who knows? You may even form lifelong bonds with people you’d never come into contact with in any other situation.

 

Fundraise

 

This is the time of year where people are more likely to dig deep into their pockets, so it’s also a brilliant time to fundraise. A great idea is to make up impressive potential gifts, sell them, and donate the profits to your chosen charity. Wine baskets could be a good place to start. They’ll have a large audience around this time, as many people will be looking for well presented bottles of white, rose, and red to give to their loved ones. For some ideas, take a look at these Eight Ultimate Wine Baskets from http://www.the-fund-raiser.com/eight-fun-wine-basket-ideas-fundraising

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Tip Generously

 

Many of us find ourselves eating out at dining establishments more and more around this time of year. Whether for a family meal, or a celebration with your colleagues. Food and drink are a great way to gather everyone together in a comfortable setting. However, be considerate of the staff who are waiting on you. Waiting staff often receive extremely low pay and tips are their way of making up for the low wages. Many depend on tips from their customers in order to get by. So, tip generously, especially if you’ve had particularly good service. It’s a busy time of year, and the person serving your food and drinks may have experienced some rather unpleasant customers throughout the rest of their shift. Bring a smile to their face by being polite and leaving a little extra something with the tab.

 

Commend Helpful Customer Service

 

Store employees have it rough in the holiday season. They often have to work longer hours and skip their breaks in order to accommodate the increased volume of customers needing assistance throughout the day. It can be difficult to maintain good quality customer service when you are already spread thin and stressed or grumpy consumers fail to speak to you in a polite manner. So, if a member of staff is particularly helpful, going the extra mile to help you find what you need and get it to your car, or delivered to your home, make sure that you commend them. Mention their name to their manager, or write a letter of thanks to the company or brand that they are representing. They will appreciate it greatly, as they may receive a bonus of some sort.

 

These are just a few ways that you can extend the spirit of giving this holiday season. At such as a stressful and potentially lonely time of year, the people you help out will truly appreciate your thoughts and efforts.