I know it’s the epitome of cliche, and you’ve heard it more times than you’ve seen those stupid holiday car commercials that for God knows what reason have jolly ‘ol rosy red Saint Nick selling a four-seater sedan in factory soot gray that has a zero to 60 of approximately 12 years, but it’s because it’s true: Christmas truly is the season to give back. And for those who don’t know where to start with helping their community, I’ve compiled a whole list of these opportunities so you too can get that feeling that supposedly only owning a car sold by Santa can give you.

Let’s start with a classic: the Salvation Army. Even if you don’t know the name, you’re definitely familiar with them: they’re the charity behind all of those bell ringers you see in front of Walmart. The Salvation Army is famous for providing meals, resources, and gifts for families in need especially during the holiday season. Most bell ringing shifts are only about two hours long, and really doesn’t take a ton of effort: if you want to, you can literally just stand in one place and ring the bell semi-regularly. It’s not just limited to the bell ringers either: you can help organize toy drives for needy kids, help distribute food to families in need, and so much more. Volunteering even just an hour of your time to the Salvation Army is perfect to scratch that itch you might have to spread some holiday cheer and ensure that every child has a gift to unwrap under the tree. 

Similar to the Salvation Army is the Evansville Rescue Mission. The organization offers a ton of ways to make an impact in the local community, especially during the holiday season. Volunteers can help with their hot meals service, which provides three meals a day for every day of the week, or work at their tri-state food bank. Additionally, volunteers can help at their thrift store by organizing and sorting donations, or even simply donating old clothes. The Evansville Rescue Mission relies heavily on community support to carry out its crucial work, especially during the holidays when their services are in especially high demand. By volunteering you can play a direct role in making the holidays brighter for those experiencing hardship in your local community. 

Another well-established holiday charity is the Indiana Wish organization. Indiana Wish is a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses. They provide a special experience for children and their families during the holiday season by fulfilling wishes, which can include anything from toys to unique experiences. Volunteers can help in several ways, including wrapping presents, assisting at events like their “Christmas in the Kitchen,” or supporting the organization’s annual wish drives. Indiana Wish helps brighten the holidays for those in need, allowing children battling serious illnesses to experience joy and hope during a challenging time​. 

In conclusion, giving back during the holiday season doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether it’s ringing a bell for the Salvation Army, serving meals at the Evansville Rescue Mission, or helping grant a wish for a child through Indiana Wish, there are countless opportunities for everyone to make a difference in their community. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and remind us all what the holidays are truly about: spreading joy, love, and compassion. So, step up, get involved, and let this season be about more than just receiving. After all, the best gift you can give is the one that comes from the heart.