In December, we all like to take stock of what we’re grateful for, spend time with family, and celebrate the holiday season. One of the best ways to do all of these things at once is by giving back as a family. Especially after a tough year like this one, it’s important for everyone who can to support their communities. For many people, the holiday season is the best time of the year, but for others it’s a challenging time — and this year is no exception. Instead of focusing on holiday decorations, extravagant presents, and massive family gatherings, this December should be about helping out the people in our communities who aren’t as fortunate. Here are some of the best ways to give back this holiday season:
1. Participate in Holiday Walks & Races
In many cities across the country, organizations band together to host holiday 5Ks, walks, and other races. This is a great opportunity for families to spend (socially distanced) time together outside while getting exercise and supporting community charities and organizations. Typically, these walks and races have a small fee, which pays for the event and supports the organization!
2. Donate a Holiday Meal to a Family in Need
For many of us, the holidays are a time when we all gather around the table to enjoy a big meal. Unfortunately, those big holiday meals we all love can get really expensive. This year, if you have the means, donate a meal to a family in need. Check out local food pantries/food banks to find out if there are meal donation programs in your area.
3. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
During the cold winter months, soup kitchens are busier than ever. They provide hot meals to individuals and families who can’t afford them. Many soup kitchens have transitioned to “to-go” meals in order to keep people safe during the pandemic, but they still need help cooking, plating, and handing out meals.
4. Deliver Groceries for Free
For many elderly and immunocompromised people, going to the grocery store can be a dangerous activity. If you’re healthy, you can provide grocery delivery services to people in your neighborhood free of charge. Check with neighbors and friends to find out if they know anyone in need of grocery deliveries this winter. In some communities, there are even organizations that you can sign up with to do this kind of volunteering!
5. Buy A Wendy’s Frosty Key Tag to Support Kids in Foster Care
Every year, Wendy’s sells Frosty Key Tags for just $2 to support deserving children in foster care (through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption). For over 25 years, Wendy’s and The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) have worked together to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children who have been adopted into permanent and loving families as a result of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK). For just $2, customers can buy a Frosty Key Tag, which entitles them to free Frosty treats throughout the year — and the money supports DTFA!
6. Donate to an Animal Shelter
Although there are fewer animals in shelters than in previous years, the animals that are there still need lots of support. Animal shelters will always gladly accept monetary donations, but there are also a lot of products they need that you might not realize — like used towels and blankets, newspapers, and more.
7. Bring Leftover Nonperishable Food Items to a Local Food Bank
Lots of people stock up on food items before the holidays (like canned green beans, cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, etc.) and then find that they have tons of unopened leftovers. Instead of letting those boxes and cans go to waste, donate them to a local food bank or food pantry.
Frosty Key Tag offer:
At participating U.S. locations. 85 percent of every $2 Frosty Key Tag sold from 11/23/2020 to 1/31/2021 will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Key Tags valid from 1/1/2021 – 12/31/2021. One free Jr. Frosty per visit with any purchase.
