How to Give Back This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and reflection, but it’s also an ideal moment to give back to your community and support those in need. Giving back doesn’t just benefit others — it adds a layer of purpose to the season and can make the holidays feel more meaningful. Here are some impactful ways to make a difference this holiday season.

5 Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

1. Financial Contributions

Year-end giving is crucial for many nonprofits, as it helps them fund essential services and plan for the upcoming year. Financial contributions are often tax-deductible, making this a smart option for those looking to make a charitable impact. Donating online or setting up recurring contributions are quick, effective ways to support causes you believe in.

2. Support Through Qualified Charitable Distributions

For individuals aged 70½ or older, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA is a meaningful way to give back while enjoying tax advantages. A QCD allows you to transfer up to $105,000 directly to a qualified charity without the amount being taxed as income. By using a QCD to support local nonprofits, you can create a lasting impact this holiday season while potentially reducing your taxable income. Check with your financial advisor to see if this option is right for you.

3. Donate Gently Used Items

With the holidays come new gifts and, often, the need to make space at home. If you’re decluttering, consider donating gently used clothes, toys, and household items. Many charities rely on these donations to provide resources for families in need, especially during colder months when warm clothing and blankets are in high demand. Check local thrift stores, shelters, and religious organizations to see where your items could make the most impact.

4. Participate in Food Drives

Food insecurity is a pressing issue, particularly around the holidays when many families face higher expenses. Participating in local food drives is a meaningful way to support food banks and pantries that provide essential resources for struggling families. Look for collection bins at grocery stores, schools, and community centers, and consider donating non-perishable items like canned vegetables, rice and pasta. Or, consider making a monetary gift so that food banks and pantries can purchase necessary nutritious items not safe to donate through a food drive.

5. Volunteer Your Time

Nonprofits often need extra hands during the holiday season to meet increased demand. Many organizations welcome volunteers to help serve holiday meals, sort donations, or wrap gifts. Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, volunteering can make a difference in someone’s life while giving you the chance to connect with others and give back in a hands-on way.

6. Spread Kindness

Giving back doesn’t always require a formal donation or scheduled volunteer shift. Small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor, offering compliments, or simply listening to someone who needs support, can have a lasting impact. These gestures create a ripple effect of positivity, strengthening community bonds.

For those looking to impact your community this holiday season, Catholic Charities Terre Haute provides multiple ways to give back. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or spread awareness, your involvement can change the lives of those around you. Join us in creating a more compassionate, thriving world this holiday season.

Here at Catholic Charities Terre Haute, we provide help and create hope by nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, families, adults, and seniors. By collaborating with community partners, we provide nutritious food, safe shelter, quality youth programming, and essential personal and household needs to our neighbors. Donate today to support meaningful community change!