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.
This holiday season as you prepare to exchange gifts with loved ones, remember that the holidays also provide an excellent opportunity to assist those in need. There are several ways to give back can have a profound impact beyond monetary contributions. Here are a few suggestions to consider as you approach the new year:
How to Make Charitable Donations this Holiday Season
Volunteer your time
One of the most valuable gifts you can offer is your time. Although the season may be hectic, try to carve out some moments to volunteer. Many opportunities are available, allowing you to choose a cause dear to your heart. For example, you could serve meals at a soup kitchen, deliver food through Meals on Wheels, take dogs for walks or cuddle cats at an animal shelter, or spend time at a senior center to lift the spirits of older adults, many of whom may feel lonely this time of year.
Sponsor a family
Many programs across the country support low-income families who may struggle to provide gifts for one another during the holidays. Visit the
Doing Good Together website for information on how to "adopt" a disadvantaged child or family this season.
Help the Homeless
On any given night, about
500,000 to 600,000 people experience homelessness in the U.S., with one-third sleeping on the street and the remainder in shelters. Organizations like
Volunteers of America work tirelessly to provide support services to help homeless individuals regain stability. You can search for a local office in your area or donate online. Alternatively, visit a local homeless shelter to donate money, read to a child, or assist with meal service.
Donate your spare change
Now is a great time to collect the change you've been tossing in that jar on your dresser all year and donate it to a charitable organization, such as a food bank or shelter. You can also drop your spare change (or bills) into the
Salvation Army's Red Kettle, which helps provide toys for children, food for the hungry, and vital social services year-round. Remember, even a small contribution can make a significant difference!
Join a giving circle
Giving circles can vary in size and formality, but they share a common goal: helping those in need. Consider forming a giving circle at your workplace to pool donations for a charity you select together.
Clean out your closets
A simple yet effective way to give back this holiday season is to declutter your closet. Look for gently used items such as coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. Other sought-after donations include new socks, undergarments, furniture, appliances, and non-perishable food. Donate these items to local charities and enjoy making space in your home while helping those in need.
AmTrust Financial Gives Back this Holiday Season
At
AmTrust Financial, we recognize the importance of giving back during the holidays and throughout the year. Our agents and employees across the nation voluntarily contribute their time and efforts to company-sponsored and local initiatives that benefit charitable organizations such as Rise Against Hunger, Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army, and local schools and food banks.
In 2022, we launched AmTrust Cares, a company-wide initiative encouraging all employees to participate in our longstanding commitment to helping others. This program encompasses volunteerism and corporate giving, where AmTrust matches employee donations (up to $1,000 per donation) made to the International Red Cross or Equal Justice Initiative. We are excited to continue our efforts to fulfill our mission of protecting and inspiring our customers, communities, and families through ongoing engagement.
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