How to Help a Family in Need Celebrate Christmas

Take time this year to remember what the holiday season is all about. Help a family less fortunate than yours and discover the joy that comes from giving.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Christmas Gifts
• Coats
• Christmas Tree Ornaments
• Christmas Trees
• Blankets
• Canned Vegetables
• Turkeys

1. Check with your church, temple or local civic groups like the Knights of Columbus, Elks or Lions Club to find families in need.
2. Prepare a gift basket with traditional foods, such as turkey, ham, stuffing, canned vegetables and soup so a family can have a holiday meal.
3. Donate canned goods and other foods to an organization that is collecting items from the community to give to families.
4. Buy gifts for the children who otherwise might not receive any. Remember not to give used toys as a holiday gift, since all children like to open something new.
5. Check with civic groups to find a holiday exchange program, in which you invite a family to come to your home and participate in your holiday festivities.
6. Collect warm blankets, coats, boots and other clothing that a family may need.
7. Buy necessities such as diapers, soap, cereal, shampoo and other things to offer to the family.
8. Contribute money to pay the electricity or heating bills for a month.
9. Buy a Christmas tree and ornaments for the family to help make their home more festive.

Tips & Warnings

• Single parents, in particular, may need some extra help. Check with religious organizations, shelters that house families and also youth programs like Big Brother/Big Sister to find out if there is a way you can help