With Christmas right around the corner, it is the perfect opportunity to give back to the community. By making donations, you can help people like hospital patients, children of prisoners, low-income families, senior citizens in nursing homes, kids in foster care, people without homes, and more who do not get to enjoy the Holidays as much as they should.

Last year, it was estimated that there were over 564,708 homeless people living in the United States, some without any family at all. Jon Sparkes, the chief executive of Crisis, a charity made to raise money and help homeless people in the UK, explained that homeless people struggle a lot, especially around Christmas time. “Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for homeless people. While others are enjoying the company of family and friends, homeless people face a daily struggle just to stay safe and escape the cold.”  

The best way to help these people who do not get to have a happy holiday season, is to donate to local charities that can provide them with gifts and things they need. 

 Charities to donate to: 

• National Honors Society is hosting a sock drive, where you can bring socks to Mr. Vedder for donation.  

• Harbor House, an organization that helps victims of domestic abuse, is currently looking for help to provide a safe and happy holiday season for families. They recommend donating gift cards to stores like Walmart and Target, non-perishable foods, pajamas and other clothing items for adults, smartphone accessories, sports equipment, and cologne or perfume for teenagers, and toys for young kids. They also would like people to sponsor families who are currently staying in their emergency shelter by donating one full sized, and one twin sized bed sheet, four pillows, and four towels. Any donations can be dropped off at their office at 708 E Colonial Drive, suite 201 Orlando, FL 32803. Donations are accepted 9am-4pm weekdays. Visit www.harborhousefl.com for more information. 

• Salvation Army offers a range of programs and opportunities for people to help those in need. The Angel Tree Program was put in place to give gifts to kids with families who are struggling financially. People can sponsor children and buy them things like clothes and toys for Christmas. Salvation Army also has a grocery and food assistance program which allows people to host sit-down dinners, stock pantries, and deliver food to those who cannot afford meals or don’t have a place to eat. The bill-pay assistance program was made to help people who are unable or struggling to pay their utility bills to make sure they are able to have things like heat on in their homes during the winter. Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org for more information. 

 These are just some ways you can spread kindness during the Holidays, but there are many other charities and organizations in Florida you can donate to that will help people who are not as fortunate. Even if you do not have much to give, a little goes a long way. One act of kindness can make somebody’s Holiday season a good one.