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Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about practical ways to give.

We started with giving while you shop—finding simple ways to help during errands you are already making. Then we looked at helping stock a local food pantry and how a few extra items can help meet a community need.

This week, let’s take that idea a little further.

Giving does not have to mean looking far away for a cause. There are people and organizations right here in our own communities that need support throughout the holiday season.

Sometimes the best place to start is simply by looking around.

Donate What You Already Have

Before buying something to donate, take a look around your home.

Winter coats, blankets, hats and gloves, children’s clothing, and unopened personal-care items may be useful to local organizations.

Donation needs vary, so check an organization’s current wish list or donation guidelines before making a trip. That helps ensure the things you give can actually be put to use.

Then take a box or bag from your home and turn those unused items into something useful for someone else.

Keep Supporting the Local Food Pantry

If you’ve been following this series, you’ve already seen how a few extra grocery items can help stock a local pantry.

You can continue that habit through the holiday season.

When you make your regular grocery trip, add an item from the pantry’s current needs.

You don’t need a special shopping trip.

One extra item on a regular grocery run can become part of a larger community effort.

Share a Meal With Someone Nearby

Giving can also be personal.

Make an extra casserole for a neighbor.

Prepare a few freezer meals for a family you know.

Take dinner to someone who could use a little help.

Bake something to share.

The holidays can be especially busy, and a ready-to-eat meal can be a practical kindness.

Sometimes the person who needs help isn’t part of an organized program. It may simply be someone you already know.

Give Your Time Locally

Local organizations need volunteers, too.

Holiday programs may need help sorting donations, organizing supplies, serving meals, delivering items, or preparing for events.

Look at the organizations in your area and see where your time might fit.

If you cannot commit to volunteering regularly, look for a one-time opportunity or a short shift.

A few hours can put another pair of hands where they are needed.

Look Around Your Own Community

There are plenty of organizations doing important work close to home.

Think about:

• Food pantries
• Community organizations
• Churches
• Schools
• Veterans’ organizations
• Holiday assistance programs
• Local volunteer groups

Some need donations. Some need volunteers. Some need both.

And sometimes the opportunity is even more personal—a neighbor who needs help carrying groceries, a friend who could use a meal, or an older family member who would appreciate an afternoon of your time.

Local giving can take many forms.

Give a Gift That Keeps Giving

Christmas shopping can be another opportunity to give someone something useful.

Instead of choosing something that may be used once and forgotten, consider a gift that can help someone throughout the holiday season and beyond.

If you have someone on your Christmas list who loves the holidays but could use a little more organization, my Ultimate Christmas Holiday Planner makes a practical Christmas gift.

Get your Ultimate Holiday Planner→