From playing Santa to underprivileged kids to helping vulnerable women achieve their dreams, here are 5 new, fun ways to give back this Holiday season!
1. KIVA
Kiva is non-profit organization whose mission is to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty around the world. The power of Kiva loans go far beyond the people who borrow money, helping create positive changes in their families and communities! Kiva allows people to lend money to low income, undeserved entrepreneurs and students from 86 countries around the world. It works in the same manner as crowdfunding sites in that the borrower will set up a profile with a specific financial goal in mind and try and raise the money they need to support themselves and get our poverty. You can donate as much or as a little money as you want to one, or several people. Since 2005, Kiva has crowd-funded more than 1 million loans, totaling more than a half a billion dollars, at a repayment rate of 99 percent.
2. STAND WITH STANDING ROCK
There are now thousands of people camped out to protect Standing Rock who are in need of food and shelter, and warm supplies to weather the current storm and get through very lower temperatures of -5 degrees! Check out this post to find out how you can easily send supplies, donate money to Standing Rock, the medics or the Legal Defense Fund, make important phone calls, and more!
3. BE AN ELF
Through Beanelf.org you can read real letters that under privileged children have written to Santa, choose one that moves you and send the requested presents directly to the child who wrote the letter. They will wake up Christmas morning, or whichever Holiday they celebrate, and be overjoyed to have presents to open that they wouldn't otherwise be receiving.
4. HELP HOMELESS PETS & PEOPLE
Let's not forget about our less fortunate and homeless two and four legged brothers and sisters. Start a toy and pillow drive for shelter animals in your neighborhood or business! Shelters are always in desperate need of toys, pillows and blankets. Most shelter animals are often without something to play with or anything to keep them warm during cold months. Help the less fortunate by visiting a homeless shelter or tent city and donating blankets, tents, gloves, socks, hats, or coats for the colder weather ahead. You can also donate food and sign up to feed the vulnerable or homeless a deserving Holiday meal at you local shelter.
5. CARDS FOR HOSPITALIZED KIDS
Cards For Hospitalized Kids is a charitable organization that spreads hope, love and magic by distributing handmade cards to sick children across the country. A simple Holiday card with an uplifting message really helps with the challenges that sick and hospitalized children face by making them feel special, giving them hope and reminding them that they are not forgotten. Follow simple guidelines, mail your card to Cards For Hospitalized Kids and they will make sure it gets into the hands of a young one.
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Awareness
