How to help a family in need this holiday season
The holidays are expensive, and a hard month can feel worse when everyone else is celebrating. Here are ways to help a family in need near you.
Adopt a family for Christmas
Many local nonprofits, churches and schools run adopt-a-family programs. You get a family’s wish list, often clothing sizes and a few gifts, and shop for them. Search “adopt a family” with your city, or ask your local Salvation Army about its Angel Tree program.
Help with food for Thanksgiving
Food banks and pantries get busy in November. Give money if you can, since they can buy food in bulk for less. A grocery gift card handed to a family directly also lets them make the meal they want.
Toy drives and gifts for kids
Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys in most areas. Schools and shelters often run their own drives too, and they know which kids need help most.
Help with the bills behind the holidays
For a lot of families the real stress isn’t gifts. It’s rent, heat or a car that stopped working. Covering one of those can mean more than a present. See how to donate directly to people in need.