The season of giving is upon us, and the need is great – especially this year. While our holidays may look a little different this year, we can still find meaningful ways to give – to essential workers, people in your community and our family and friends.

Support a Charity

Many people are unable to give right now, but if you are able to do so, consider supporting an organization that is making a difference during the pandemic.

There’s still time to support the Heaven Hill 2020 Annual Philanthropy Project. The Food Literacy Project (FLP) Based in Louisville, FLP provides experiential education programs for neighbors and community members of all ages to get their hands dirty, taste new foods fresh from the field and get involved in the work of their community food system and a working farm.

While we have already exceeded our $5,000 donation goal to earn the company match , FLP still needs your support. Donate online before Wednesday, December 16 to take part in our 50/50 raffle, or participate in our item collection by purchasing items from their Amazon Wishlist by Friday, December 18.

For more information about our Annual Philanthropy programming, refer to our previous stories.

Give Back Close to Home

If you’re looking to support an organization close to home, consider reaching out to these organizations in your community:

The Salvation Army

An international movement, The Salvation Army provides homeless shelters and grocery and bill-pay assistance to people in need throughout the year. Through its annual Angel Tree program, volunteers provide Christmas gifts to millions of children throughout the world. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or contact your local Salvation Army Center.

United Way

United Way Worldwide has launched a COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund to help communities respond, recover, reimagine and rebuild by supporting community services such as 211, the go-to information resource in the U.S. and Canada. Locally, the United Way provides support to partner organizations focused on education, income and health. For more information, visit www.unitedway.org or contact your local United Way.

Meals on Wheels

Millions of seniors will set the table for one this holiday season. A new survey from Meals on Wheels America reveals programs are now serving an average of 47% more seniors than they were March 1. Support Meals on Wheels by visiting www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org or contact the organization in your community.

You can also find local charities to support using the below resources:

United States

For nonprofits you can support in your community, visit greatnonprofits.org.

Lethbridge, Alberta

Connect to volunteer opportunities in your community at volunteerlethbridge.com.

Dublin, Ireland

Connect to volunteer opportunities that suit your individual skills, abilities and availability at volunteerdublincity.ie.

Start in Your Community

The easiest way to give back is reaching out to people you know – your neighbors, friends, coworkers and relatives. Start with those who might feel vulnerable right now – an elderly neighbor who misses social connections, or a friend who is dealing with anxiety or depression.

Touch base over a friendly text or video call, or offer to run errands. Offer to pick up groceries or prescriptions for them, and leave them outside their doors to maintain a safe distance. Local social media groups or sites like Facebook or Nextdoor can help put you in touch with people in need who live close by.

Donate without Spending Money

In the wake of COVID-19, charitable organizations are evolving drives and other events to make it safer and easier for you to donate items to those in need.

Food – With more people out of work, demand for food is on the rise. If you can’t provide financial assistance, consider donating non-perishable items like peanut butter, canned goods, pasta, rice and beans to your local food bank.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Hospitals and healthcare centers are still facing shortages of PPE, such as N95 masks and surgical masks. If you have time to spare, you can donate through organizations like GetUsPPE and DonatePPE.

Hard-to-find-Supplies – It’s become difficult again to find items like toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, bleach, rubbing alcohol and disinfecting wipes on grocery store shelves. If you have more than you need, consider offering it to a local food bank, essential business or a friend or neighbor who could use them.

Express Gratitude

Express your gratitude to healthcare workers on the front lines of COVID-19. Services such as Health Hero Hotline allow you to leave messages of appreciation and support. Call 877-226-HERO (4376). Also, consider supporting a local restaurant by purchasing to-go meals and gift cards.

Provide Mental Health Support

Mental health helplines like Crisis Text Line are looking for volunteers to answer texts from people in crisis. The helpline has reported a surge of messages from people who are feeling anxious about the pandemic.