12 Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season

Whew, once again I find myself completely terrified of the news, and feeling pretty hopeless on how to help. I guess that's a hard thing about the way our media works. Between violent crises in Aleppo, and the Philippines, wildfires in Tennessee, the oil spill right from the Standing Rock (related) pipeline... and all of the usual hurts of the world it's hard to know how to help. I know that many folks have felt very nervous about how things will go within the US post-election as well... 

KC and I decided to when we got married to give back every Christmas in some way or another. This year we've been feeling the need to do more, to find a way to "give back" in meaningful ways as much as we can through the end of the year. In order to keep it measurable, we decided to do one thing per-week between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. 

If you are also feeling helpless, but like you want to try to do something, perhaps there is an idea in this post for you. I tried to give a big variety, many of which we have done so far during this time period! A lot of these would make great family or group/party activities! I'd love to hear your ideas as well, so leave them in the comments!

1) Give Holiday Meals to local families in need.

Our local food pantry does an awesome job raising funds throughout the year. They hold a Food Truck Festival in May that I have yet to miss... but this Thanksgiving they also had a promotion going with local grocery stores and online where you could donate $15 for a Thanksgiving for a family of 4! That's an incredible gift for just $15. I noticed that they are doing it again for Christmas, if you live near us, you can donate here! If you live elsewhere, check with your local food pantries to see if they are doing something similar! If not, I am sure they have other ways you can help out this holiday season!

2) Donate to Water Preservers at Standing Rock

If you haven't been reading the news related to Standing Rock, here is a good intro article for you. Basically, Bismark, ND rejected a pipeline being built near them for fear of a spill contaminating their drinking water, and so the oil company has decided to build it across Native American sacred burial lands, also crossing a river used by natives for drinking water (twice). The Sioux tribe, and many others have been protesting (peacefully!) for months, and many members of the military, etc. have come out to act as human shields. There have been some pretty awful attacks on the folks there to get them to leave. But they haven't. If you've been following the news, you'll know that they have temporarily stopped the pipeline, and say they are not going to build there. However, there is not any way to ensure that, and when the administration changes, it seems very unlikely that the progress there will be kept. We heard that a friend of a friend was headed up there, so we purchased a Menard's giftcard (for shelter building supplies), some hot hands, and threw in some wool socks, old thermal shirts, kleenex, chapstick, etc. If you don't know someone who is headed that direction, you can donate directly to the Sioux tribe, here. It makes me sick that after months of protest, the pipeline DID spill, and though it is not right at Standing Rock, it's still hurting the surrounding areas. There is so much reason for this cause!

3) Donate to Syrian Rescue Workers 

The situation in Syria is absolutely terrifying. Donate directly to the "White Helmets" Rescue Worker fund. These folks are right in the action saving lives and protecting people every day. You can pick your own amount or donate a designated amount via card or paypal. Donate here.

4) Send a Water Filter to Flint, Michigan

If you've heard about the water crisis in Flint, you'll know that it's absolutely appalling. As it turns out, even more places in the US are coming forward and saying, that their drinking water is of the same quality. That's terrible, and while we wait for the local governments to improve the water quality ... we can give them filters. I am so glad that a friend posted this (via a group in our city who is headed up there) ... because holy cow is it easy, and DIRECTLY helps a person or family in need. All for just $15 + shipping. Order this shower filter, and ship it to: 

C/O Glenda Gates
3502 Lapeer Rd
Flint, MI 48503

5) Switch Your Energy to Clean Energy

Wait, you can do this?! Yes indeed you can! Call or log on to your energy company's website and switch to wind or solar energy. If you don't know your options, contact your company's customer service folks! Often the price is the same, or very close... and it's investing in a cleaner future. These companies really need this support right now, we know that environmental causes are not part of the new administration's high priorities. 

6) Donate Your Time to An Organization You Care About

The thing is... there are so many great organizations out there, so many great causes... it's impossible to know about all of the issues, to donate to every one. If there is one that you care about specifically consider giving a monetary gift or your volunteered time! We all make goals from time to time, but it's pretty clear that the world could use more love! Donating your time would be a great way to help your community in a way that is meaningful to you! Pick a place and go for it!

Creative Ways to Donate!

When I worked at a preschool, I was amazed by the ways that people gave to our organization and how we gave to our organization. It was so incredible, tons of things I never would have thought of! 

7) Organize Birthday Party Kits

Our preschool families all fell into a low SES, and we knew that many of our families struggled to provide holiday meals, birthday parties, etc. etc. We received the loveliest gift of "birthday party kits" once, and I thought that it was the coolest idea! Each bag contained a cake mix, a container of frosting, plates, cups, napkins, etc. They varied there were some specifically for boys or girls, but they were all so thoughtful! I loved this idea, and it would be a great party to have and everyone could bring a kit. They could then be donated to a local school/preschool, food pantry, etc. What a great gift to give a family or child!

8) Make Homelessness Kits and Give Them Out

Have you seen these on pinterest?! So cool and creative. If you live in an area with homeless populations it would be great to make these out and hand them out to folks you see who might need them. Or you could drop off a batch at the local shelter for distribution.

9) Give A Meal Kit to A Neighbor or Friend

Often times when someone new moves to your area they might be given some food from their neighbors, when new moms come home from the hospital they are often given casseroles, but what about all the other situations? What about those new moms two months in? What about the family who is struggling through a tough season? Your lonely neighbor? A student who isn't able to go home for the holidays? Making a meal kit and dropping it for them is a great way to show that you care. Or, invite them over for a dinner! :) Ideas for Make Ahead Meal Kits: here, here, here & here.

10) Donate Your Bras to A Shelter

Did you know that bras are one of the most-needed items in shelters? If you have a pile that is still in wearing shape, but doesn't fit or you don't wear.... box them up and call shelters (domestic violence and homeless) to see if they are in need of bras. If not, you can always drop them by a Goodwill or Salvation Army. & bonus for you: your closet is that much cleaner!

11) Make a Free Little Library or Free Little Pantry

Holiday breaks or vacations are good times for projects. So are weekends! If you are looking for a family project consider building a free little library or donation station for your yard or local organization. We have Free Little Libraries all over our city, but these Little Blessing Boxes and Free Little Pantries are also SUCH a great idea! :) Read more about those here: Library & Pantry. These would be fabulous family projects, and a great time to teach your kids to give. :) 

12) Make a Care Package for a Friend or Family Member Far Away

Perhaps you know a student who is out of state, someone who just moved far away, someone in the military or working overseas... it can often be lonely and a little bit of snail mail could brighten their day. I know when I was a student (not that far from home!) I always appreciated little care packages from my grandma. Even if it's just a small note, a gift card, a book, a whole box of groceries... it would be so appreciated. Again, spreading the spirit of giving. My cousin, who is in the Navy made this great list of ideas for military care package items!

So there you have it, 12 ways to give back this holiday season.

Looking for more ways to spread love and giving? Check out 12 Small Things You Can Do To Make The World A Better Place.

Do you or your family give back during the holidays or throughout the year?

If so, how? I would love to hear!

What are your ideas? Have you ever tried any of these?

Does anyone have a goal to give back more in 2017?

Happy Giving!

Alexandra

12 Small Things You Can Do To Make The World A Better Place, When it Feels Like Everything is Falling Apart

Last week was a tough one for the world, and for my heart.

I found out some bad news related to a friend's health, my sister's new car died, her husband was in an accident in the rental car, whale mortality rates are at a staggering high, Japan was hit by an earthquake, as was Mexico, and of course the horrible acts of terrorism in Paris, Beirut, the middle east, and news of Kenya resurfacing. Not to mention the ongoing struggles in the world, homelessness, war, hate, pollution... It's a lot to take in....

I think for many, it's hard to allow ourselves to think about these things too deeply. It's painful, and we feel helpless. We don't want to know all of the details, because we can't change what has happened. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by these things, things beyond my control, I try to put that energy into something I can change. Even if it is small. Because small things, can make a big difference.

Sometimes these types of things are called "random acts of kindness," but I think they can be small acts of very intentional kindness too.

Here I have taken 12 basic ideas of small things that you can do to make the world a better place, and broken them down into specific actionable ideas. 

It's amazing how getting mail can brighten anyone's day. Think specifically of someone who might be in need of it. Someone who is deployed, has moved to a new city, someone going through a hard time, someone who might be lonely, maybe an elder family member. Sending a quick note or card to say "Hi, I'm thinking of you," can make a big difference. Of course it's good to be less generic than that, but you get the idea!

Animal, homeless, and domestic violence shelters are often in need of supplies and materials. I get notices on Facebook from our local animal shelter, and often times they will post things that they are in serious need of. For example, paper towels and bleach are a hot commodity! From time to time, KC and I will pick up a gallon of bleach and a package of paper towels and take them out there. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but it's a big help to the animals and shelter workers. Sometimes they want things like peanut butter, old blankets, toilet paper tubes, etc. Things you'd already like to get rid of. By calling ahead or checking on social media, you can find out what shelters need, and the best way to deliver it. It doesn't take much time or money but it makes a big difference.

You can do this on a scheduled basis through groups like Habitat for Humanity, hospitals, libraries, shelters, etc. Or you can do it in a less obvious way, volunteer to watch your friend's kids, or to house or pet sit for someone in your life. The payment can be knowing that you helped someone who could use it.

Even the tiniest material gifts can make someone smile. Maybe you wrap up a holiday book for the neighbor kids, or a $5 romcom DVD and some popcorn for a girlfriend who's going through a breakup. Or you saw something small that reminded you of a friend far away. That small gift can make a person's whole day. A chocolate in your husband's laptop case for work, a new stapler for your coworker who broke hers, it really doesn't matter what it is.... it matters that you noticed them, noticed what they are going through, and showed them that you care.

Pay for the person behind you at the drive thru. Often times there will be one or two people in the car, ordering $5-10 worth of coffee or food. Not a huge expense, but a nice gesture, and a unexpected one. You never know when that will make someone's day, or make their lives just a little bit easier.

I think eco-change is especially daunting for some people. It's easy to think that recycling one thing, or one type of thing won't make a big difference, but it does! My advice is always to start small. Pick one thing (aluminum, plastic, batteries, newspapers, etc.) and start by keeping a bin of only that. Work your way up, and eventually you may be recycling almost everything. It doesn't have to be hard, and you don't have to be hard on yourself. Knowing that you made a baby step is gratifying enough. You may not get an immediate reaction of gratitude from anyone for doing this one... but it's just as important! Every little bit really does matter, this is a great one to work on as a family, instilling that knowledge in your kiddos' minds! They will thank you later!

Maybe your neighbor is really helpful, lends you a snow shovel, walks over your paper when it's in their yard, offers to house sit for you, etc. Or maybe it's a coworker who's been a big help. Or just someone you interact with who is really friendly and always makes you feel like the world is a better place. Leave them an anonymous (or not!) note saying why you appreciate them! My preschool used to do "Bucket Filling" (there is a book for you mammas out there!) where the admin staff would give little notes and gifts to other employees throughout the year. Sometimes they were specific, "Alex, you are always so cheerful first thing in the morning greeting the kiddos as they get to school! Thank you!" and sometimes they were the same for everyone, "Happy Holidays, paint your twinkle toes!" with a nail polish, but they always brightened my day! If someone is kind, happy, helpful, patient, etc. let them know! They would love to hear it. :)

Put change in a meter that is about to expire or even pay someone's ticket. You never know when a mother of three, or someone who is sick could really use that help! There's nothing like taking away a bad part of someone's day. And when it only costs you pocket change, it's a win win for everyone!

Show your coworkers you appreciate them. Maybe they're an indispensable part of the team, or maybe they are a good friend who will listen to you when you're having a rough day. It doesn't matter why you appreciate them, just show them you do. Bring them a coffee, bring in breakfast or treats to share, give them small holiday gifts, or notes like in #7.

I don't know if people do this where you live, but here, most of the time, people will wait and hold the door open for someone who is coming in. It's a nice gesture, and it can be a big help when someone is carrying things, wrangling children, or struggling to walk. You never know, it might even just make people smile. This is a tiny one, but for some people it means a lot, especially people who think the practice has been forgotten.

Or your dad, sister, cousin, grandma, whoever. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of our own lives, but it's important to remind people that you are thinking of them, and to make time to show them. Even just saying hi, asking them how their day went, telling them you thought of them when you saw something happen somewhere. etc. Especially the older people in our lives, everyone likes to hear that they aren't forgotten. :) If you need a reminder of just how much our older people need us, watch this. Be ready to cry though.

Sometimes the best thing you can do, is just be there. To give away something that you already carry. Maybe it's putting your phone away and actually giving your undivided attention to your husband, friend, pet, etc. Maybe it's reading a book to a kiddo, or a grandparent. It could be shoveling someone's walk, or raking their leaves. It might be carrying something for someone who has low strength or mobility. Maybe it's helping someone shop because you're awesome with clothes, or gift giving. Or maybe there is a way for you to use your business or skills to give someone who needs it something for free or at a discounted rate. Even if you don't think you have skills that someone would use, you do! Just think about it. :)



I hope that you guys are all hanging in there after last week, and that you are able to use some of these ideas to make the world just a little bit better place. Starting small can create a ripple effect, it's important to remember that, especially when times are hard!

What are some of your favorite small ways to make a difference? I would love to hear, maybe we could make a big post!! :)

XO,

Alexandra

Lighthouse vs. Tugboat // Inspiration

Well you guys, this has been an emotionally strange week. I have felt so restless and discontented. Not really sure why, just in a funk. Things I've been pushing away are catching up to me... and all at once. Of course! ;)

Well, this morning I opened facebook, and my dad had shared this.

Now, I'm going to be real in saying... this is way more text than I will usually read on facebook. It just is...

But this is exactly what I needed to "hear" this morning.

Lighthouses vs. Tugboats

Lighthouses and Tugboats serve a similar purpose, they both guide boats to safety. But they do it in entirely different ways.

Tugboats go out into the ocean and they tug huge ships back to the port. They push and pull and they give their all to bring the boat back to safety. They work so hard to get the boat and themselves back to the port that they in turn wear themselves down.

Lighthouses shine their light to guide boats to safety. They are rooted and tall, they weather the storms, and the guide the boats to port. They are always a beacon, but whether or not the boat chooses to use the light as a guide, is up to the boat. It doesn't effect the lighthouse either way, it continues to shine it's light, it does not wear down in it's effort.

Like the guy who shared this, I am a relentless tug boat. I am always trying to help people, to save people, to make them better *fill in the blank*s. I give everything I have to make my friendships better, empty friendships, thinking that if I try harder, someday those friends might wake up and reciprocate. And it's exhausting.

I do the same thing at work.

I did the same thing when I tutored.

I did the same thing when I lived in student housing.

I did the same thing when I worked at my preschool.

And it's always hard for me to come back to: you can't make people care by pulling.

You can't tug them into being considerate, being a hard worker, seeing that you care about them, you'll just burn out your motor.

In the end you fail to help others and yourself. It's a lose lose situation.

They have to want it too, so don't burn out your motor, be the lighthouse instead.

Can you make people care by being the lighthouse? Sometimes, they still have to want it, but you do not exhaust yourself in the process of being a beacon.

This was exactly what I needed to read this morning. Thanks dad for sharing this, and thank you Sean Whalen for the original post.

I think I am going to make some type of free printable for anyone who would like to download and frame it, so check back, or let me know in the comments if you would like it emailed to you.

I personally could use a reminder of this by my desk and at home. :)

What are you guys thinking about this?

Any other burnt out tug boats out there?

How do you strive to be a lighthouse, do you have any strategies?

Happy Weekend!

XO,

Alexandra

Thank God for Dirty Dishes

Thank God for Dirty Dishes

They have a tale to tell,

While other folks go hungry,

We're eating very well.

With home and health and happiness,

We shouldn't want to fuss.

For by this stack of evidence,

God's very good to us!

This poem was found hand written into an old cookbook and then added to our family cookbook for a reunion. 

I think it is really special and a wonderful reminder in these tough economic times. This was written during a time when people were having similar struggles as we are today and the people in my family kept this as a reminder of how blessed they were. 

Next time you are worried or overwhelmed {by dishes or otherwise} remember how lucky you are. Cherish what you have and do what you can to bring that feeling to others. You are more blessed than you realize, so share some of that with those in need.

What is your favorite keep positive saying?

All for now,

Alexandra