Losing a loved one can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, or disconnection, making you feel like you are all alone in your grief experience. That’s one reason why giving back can be so beneficial during times of grief and loss, especially around the holidays. Giving of your time, resources, or talents can break through the fog of grief and give you something positive to focus your energy on. For some, it can lead to championing change or finding an organization that brings you fulfillment and joy.
The holiday season can be particularly difficult following a death because your beloved traditions may not feel the same. Thankfully, it’s also a season full of opportunities to get involved, give back, and help those in need. Let’s talk about some national organizations you could get involved with this holiday season!
Toys for Tots
During the holiday season, many organizations focus on meeting the needs of children and bringing joy to their lives. Toys for Tots has been distributing gifts to children since 1947, and they are still going strong! While you may see Toys for Tots most often around Christmas, you can give to children throughout the year. To learn more about how you can get involved or to find your local chapter, visit their website here.
Operation Christmas Child
If you would like to bring joy to children around the world, consider whether Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse would be a good fit for you. With their focus on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and caring for children worldwide, you can make a positive difference across the globe with minimal effort on your part. Whether you want to give gifts, pack boxes, or even volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse directly, you can learn more at the Operation Christmas Child website.
Angel Tree
A mission of the Salvation Army, the Angel Tree Program provides new clothing and toys to more than one million children in need every year. More than likely, you’ve seen Angel Trees in places of business in your community. Every tree is full of paper angels, and on each one, you will find a child’s name, their clothing sizes, and a few toy ideas. You can then purchase gifts with that specific child’s needs in mind. For more information about the Angel Tree Program and other Salvation Army programs, visit their website.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation focuses on fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children and making their dreams come true. When you support this organization, you help grant wishes like going on special trips or meeting a beloved hero or role model. When a child is facing the difficulties of illness and continuous doctor visits, a little joy goes a long way. While the foundation grants wishes all year, the holiday season is a peak season. If you’d like to get involved, go to the Make-A-Wish website here.
St. Jude’s
A leading children’s hospital, St. Jude’s treats the toughest childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. Because families are already going through a tough time, St. Jude’s doesn’t bill them for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Instead, they believe no child should be denied treatment based on their family’s inability to pay. That’s why St. Jude’s fundraises every year, particularly around the holiday season. To help families experiencing medical hardship, visit St. Jude’s website and consider whether you want to support their mission.
Wreaths Across America
If you have a strong love and support for military members, consider getting involved with Wreaths Across America. This organization’s goal is to place a holiday wreath on the graves of as many military members as possible as an act of remembrance. Not only can you sponsor wreaths, but you can also volunteer to place wreaths on graves and personally honor the service and sacrifice of so many. To learn more, visit Wreaths Across America.
Operation Homefront
This caring organization focuses on meeting the short-term financial and physical needs of struggling military families. With many different programs, Operation Homefront seeks to meet needs across many fronts. From veteran housing to holiday meals to school supplies, more than 57,000 requests have been met and fulfilled. If veterans and military families are a passion for you, look over Operation Homefront’s website and decide if they are a good fit for you.
These are just a small sampling of the options that are available to you. So many worthy organizations could benefit from your time, your resources, and your talents. And don’t forget to look at your local options, too!
Support Local Organizations
In addition to these national-level organizations, you can also look into your local community for opportunities to give back and get involved. Here are a few ideas:
- Donate funds or goods to your local food bank
- Participate in a 5K that benefits a local charity or service
- Support your local animal shelter by volunteering to care for the animals
- Ask churches what ministries need help and jump in
- Research the non-profits in your area to see if any align with your personal passions
- Give blood at the local hospital and save lives
- Volunteer at your local homeless shelter or halfway house
- Talk with local hospitals or nursing homes for volunteer opportunities
And the list goes on! Your community is going to have unique options for getting involved and giving back. With a little research or asking around, you’ll find so many ways that you can make a positive difference.
As you get involved, find ways to intentionally honor your lost loved one’s memory. Give a donation in their name. Volunteer at a charity that focuses on something they were passionate about. Or simply wear a T-shirt with their name on it. You may even have a chance to talk about your loved one and ensure that their memory lives on. No matter which organizations appeal to you, find a way to give back this holiday season. It can help you focus on the good and find a little joy in the midst of your grief.
For more resources on grieving during the holidays, check out these helpful articles:
