Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season When You’re Away From Home

1. Volunteer at or donate to a food bank. Whether donating food or offering your time to help, food banks or soup kitchens can often use help from volunteers.
2. Give blood. If you’re willing and able, giving blood is a priceless way to change a life any time of year. Visit redcross.org/give-blood.html to input the zip code nearest to you and schedule a time to donate.
3. Donate to shelters. Go through your belongings and find things you no longer use, need or fit in. Take these items to a shelter so they can be rehomed to someone in need.
4. Visit a nursing home. Help make the holidays more cheerful for those who may be lonely this time of year. Many local nursing homes often allow visitors. Bring a smile to someone’s face, even if just sitting with them for a while.
5. Pay it forward. Want to add a smile to someone’s day but don’t know where to start? Next time you’re at a drive thru window, ask to pay for the order of the car behind you.
6. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Find a local animal shelter and offer to lend them a hand. Most shelters could use help walking the dogs, cleaning the cages and playing with the animals.

We encourage you to spread the cheer this holiday season and give back, no matter where you are.