“Tis the season to be giving.” There is no better way to get into the spirit of the holidays then to give back during the holidays. There are many people who need help whether it be a cooked meal, warm clothes, or help with gift s for the holidays. Everyone can make a difference this holiday season and bring some happiness by volunteering or helping with providing supplies.

MAKE A DONATION
The donations can be monetary, supplies or items. Donations can be made to charitable organizations, church or schools. Organizing a canned food drive or winter coat drive is a great way to get involved and help a variety of people. Here are a few organizations that you can check to see how you can help or organize something:
www.feedingamerica.org
www.toysfortots.org
www.va.wish.org

These are just a few organizations, but you can certainly research online or in your community as there are many charities in need.

ADOPT A FAMILY
Adopting a family can include a family, soldier, a child, a senior citizen or even a pet in need of some holiday cheer.

Many churches and charitable organizations have lists of folks that have provided a wish list for the holiday season that can include gifts, toilettes, food and clothing. This is also a great opportunity to teach your family that there are some families that are in need during the holidays.

In some instances you can go to the families to drop off the items, which is a great chance to meet them and warm your heart. You can oft en find out from your community church or visit sites such as:
www.hcsnv.org
www.animalcenter.org
www.uss.salvationarmy.org

SOUP KITCHENS
You can also sign up along with your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen or at a shelter to serve food to the homeless or less fortunate. There are several homeless shelters throughout the metropolitan area. You can check them out at theses sites:
www.dccentralkitchen.org
www.foodpantries.org
www.homelessshelterdirectory.org

There are so many ways to give this season. Giving back during the holidays is a great way to teach your family to appreciate the little things and give the gift of making a difference in your community. Happy Holidays!

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ROSANNA AKHAVAN was born and raised in Northern Virginia. She attended George Mason University and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor's Degree in political science, all the while participating in extracurricular activities such as art, dance, journalism, and creative writing. She has been a freelance writer for various publications since 2003.