Summary: Nonprofit organizations are crucial in giving local assistance to those in need in the community. The holidays are traditionally a time to give back with your time or donations. Find out how to make charitable donations to help your community this holiday season. The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. Decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, socializing – it’s easy to see why we can feel overwhelmed this season.
That said, it’s important to remember what the holidays are really about: family, friends, and spreading goodwill and cheer to others. There’s no better way to celebrate the true meaning of the season than by giving back to those less fortunate. In fact, 30% of all
annual charitable giving occurs in December, with 10% of all donations happening in the last three days of the year.
How to Make Charitable Donations this Holiday Season
As you prepare to exchange gifts with friends and family, don’t forget that the holidays also represent the perfect opportunity to help those in need. Plus, there are ways to give back this holiday season (other than monetarily) that will have a priceless impact on others. If you’re wondering how you and your clients can make charitable donations this season, we have a few suggestions to keep in mind before you ring in the new year.
A few of the top methods for giving back during the holidays include:
Volunteer your time
Sometimes, the most precious gift you can give is your time. Although things may be hectic, try to carve out some time to
volunteer this holiday season. Volunteering opportunities are abundant, and you can choose a subject close to your heart. For instance, serve meals at a soup kitchen or deliver meals through a Meals on Wheels program. Take dogs for walks or snuggle cats at a local animal shelter. Visit a senior community center and spend time with the elderly, many of whom may be lonely this time of year.
Sponsor a family
You’ll find numerous programs across the country designed to support low-income families who may not have the resources to provide gifts for each other over the holidays. Visit the
Doing Good Together website for simple instructions on how to “adopt” a disadvantaged child or family this time of year.
Donate your spare change
Now is the perfect time to gather all the change you’ve been tossing into that jar on your dresser all year and donate the proceeds to a charitable organization, such as a food bank or shelter. Or, drop some of that change (or bills!) into the
Salvation Army’s Red Kettle, which helps provide toys for children, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. Remember, even a little can go a long way!
Join a giving circle
Giving circles can be small and informal or large and organized, but they each have the same goal: to help those in need. Create a giving circle in your office to allow employees to pool money for a charity you all choose.
Help the homeless
In 2021, on any given night there are about
500,000 to 600,000 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., with one-third of these people sleeping on the street and the others in shelters. Organizations like
Volunteers of America work tirelessly to provide supportive services that help homeless individuals get back on their feet. You can search for a local office in your area, or even donate to their cause online. Or, visit a homeless shelter in your neighborhood to drop off a monetary donation, read to a child or help serve a meal.
Clean out your closets
Another great way to give back over the holidays is simply to do a closet purge and look for gently-used items like coats and cold weather accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves. Other much-needed items include new socks and undergarments, furniture, appliances and non-perishable food. Donate these items to various charities in your neighborhood and feel good knowing that you’re not only making more space in your home, but you’re also helping those in need.
AmTrust Financial Gives Back this Holiday Season
At
AmTrust Financial, we understand the importance of giving back during the holidays and year-round. Our agents and employees across the country voluntarily
contribute their time and effort to company-sponsored and local events that benefit charitable organizations such as Rise Against Hunger, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army and local schools and food banks.
In 2022, we launched AmTrust Cares, a company-wide opportunity for all AmTrust employees to participate in our long-standing commitment to helping others. The program has two aspects: volunteerism and corporate giving, where AmTrust matches employee donations (up to $1,000 a donation) made to the International Red Cross or Equal Justice Initiative. AmTrust is excited to continue our efforts to
fulfill our mission to protect and inspire our customers, communities and families through ongoing engagement efforts.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors.