Decide where to focus

How do you know where to start? Bring your family together to brainstorm ideas. Encourage everyone to share what giving means to them, the causes they care about and how they’d like to contribute.

Be sure to give every family member an opportunity to express their ideas on:  

• Why giving back matters
• Which causes or communities to support
• What charitable activities interest them
• What types of donations — time, money, or goods — they like best

You might decide to support a neighbor in need, your local community, a national organization, or even a global charity. Talking it through can bring everyone together for a shared purpose.

Once you agree on a focus, outline how your family will give back. Maybe you’ll all join the same project — or each person will choose their own. Either way, your efforts can help make a real impact.

1. Take a family grocery trip to buy food donations

Turn a simple grocery run into a family mission. Shop together for nonperishable foods and household items, then donate them to a local food shelf or community pantry.

Many food shelves post their most-needed items online, so check before you go. You can also create family food baskets filled with each member’s favorite items, plus something thoughtful like hand soap, dish towels, or candles.

2. Donate to local charities’ gift programs

Many charities organize toy or gift drives during the holidays. Let your kids choose a toy or gift to donate — it helps them connect personally to the experience of giving.

You can also donate in someone’s honor, combining thoughtfulness and generosity. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate with loved ones while helping others.

3. Start a family donation jar

Set out a jar for donations and make it a family challenge. Kids can contribute part of their allowance or earn money through chores. Parents can match the total.

Once the jar fills up, decide where to send the funds. Research charities ahead of time to make sure your dollars make the biggest difference.

4. Help a neighbor with yardwork or household chores

Look around your neighborhood for someone who could use an extra hand. Offer to hang holiday lights, shovel snow, or help with household chores.

You can also bake cookies or small treats and deliver them to neighbors — it’s an easy way to spread joy close to home.

5. Visit a care facility

Hospitals, assisted living centers and nursing homes often welcome visitors, especially during the holidays. Check ahead for visitor guidelines, then plan something uplifting, like reading stories, singing songs, or simply spending time with residents.

Your presence can brighten someone’s day and remind them they’re not alone.

6. Volunteer with a work or community group

Many organizations host volunteer opportunities during the holidays, like packing meals, delivering food, or wrapping gifts. Some families sign up for bell-ringing or other charity drives together. These shared experiences build stronger bonds and create lasting memories.

7. Join a fundraising event

Holiday fundraisers — like charity walks, fun runs or community events — combine giving with action. Invite family and friends to join or sponsor your efforts.

Even a small event can make a big difference when you participate together. And if your family members are aged 16 or older, consider donating blood at a local blood bank or blood drive — it’s an incredible way to give the gift of life.

Celebrate your family’s impact

When your giving activities wrap up, take time to celebrate. Host a family night to reflect on:

• What you accomplished
• How everyone felt about contributing
• Feedback from the people or groups you helped
• Ideas to improve or expand next year

By coming together to make someone else’s holiday brighter, you made your own season more meaningful. Giving back doesn’t just spread joy — it brings families closer and fills the holidays with purpose.