Ways to Give Back This Christmas (2020)

Ashley Mayer
Nov 2, 2020
6 min read

This will be my son Gabriel's first Christmas and I could not be more excited about it. Just about everything is more fun with a kid (except for long carrides, plane flights, travel of any kind really... you get the point.) They bring new life to the things that have become mundane or stale as an adult and add extra joy to special times, especially holiday celebrations.

Christmas was the very best growing up. We made long wishlists, decorated trees, celebrated 4 or 5 times with different family members and raked in presents at each stop. Some of my favorite memories are the ones we made each December. Although there was no lack of gifts, that is not the thing that I remember so fondly. It is time spent with family, the joy of being the gift-giver, the week spent at our cabin with lots and lots of snow. If I can make something extra special for my kids, I want it to be Christmas.

What the Bible Says About Generosity

Something that my husband and I feel very strongly about is encouraging our kids to stretch their generosity muscles during the holiday season. We want to foster the love of giving just as much (or hopefully more) than the love of receiving. Jesus is very clear about His expectations of us as stewards of what we have, both physical blessings and abilities. Matthew 25: 44-45 says,

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? 'He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"

If that isn't convicting, then I don't know what is. And then there is this unapologetic hard truth:

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17

And if you had any other doubts about the importance of living a life of generosity, here are more examples of what the Bible says about it:

Ways To Give Back this Christmas Season

This list originated on IG when I asked my followers for ideas about how to be generous this Christmas, whether it be their own family traditions or charities they have heard about. As I did more research on some of these charities and organizations, I learned more about just how important it is to give back, especially this year. Many of the organizations are facing a much larger need than anticipated due to Covid. Much of the fundraising and events have been cancelled or look vastly different in 2020. In addition, more and more families are in need due to job loss or illness. This is our chance, our time. Instead of buying gift after gift, toy after unnecessary toy, let's band together to salvage what is left of 2020. This list was made possible through a collaboration of many people's ideas and suggestions. I'd love to add to this list if you have other ways that you choose to give back.

Charitable Organizations

(click on the links to see more details)

Boys and Girls Club - There are many ways you can give to the Boys and Girls Club. You can contact your local B&GC and ask for specific gifts or specific children to shop for. You can donate online. You can also support through fundraisers that are hosted by their Holiday Partners (giving you a reason to shop at places like Old Navy or eat at restaurant such as Buffalo Wild Wings-- win win).

Salvation Army - Salvation Army does so much for families in need at Christmas time. The need is greater this year than ever before for a few reasons: up to 50% less Red Kettles, a coin shortage, and online shopping. Salvation Army teams up with Walmart to bring you the Walmart Angel Tree - allowing you to choose a need and bless someone by fulfilling that need. You can even buy from the Angel Tree Registry online and Walmart will ship them directly to your local Salvation Army. Use this link to find your local Walmart Angel Tree. Through SalVal you can also donate to local homeless shelters, help finance groceries, purchase family meal boxes. Specifically in PA, Treasures for Children will collect donated toys through drive-thru. See what Salvation Army is doing in your state here.

Toys for Tots - Because many people will be choosing online shopping vs shopping in-store this year, those iconic Toys for Tots boxes may be seen by far less people. You can donate online through a cash donation, drop off toys at Toys for Tots locations, or donate by mail. You can even donate a vehicle. See what your state is doing here.

Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child - Stuff a shoebox with items - some wants and some needs. Here is the list of gift suggestions to fill your box with. You can find your local drop-off locations here. The boxes will be collected during the third week of November. You can also "Build a Shoebox" online!

"Adopt" A Child/Family

There are many ways to adopt a child or family this holiday season. Find an Angel Tree at your local Walmart or participating church and pick a child off of the tree to bless. You can also find ads on Craiglist or Facebook Marketplace of local families and their needs this Christmas. You may know a family in need in your community that you could reach out to about their specific needs. If you do not know any needy families, you can ask your local church or school for suggestions.

Anonymous / Random Acts of Kindness

I love the idea of random acts of kindness because they are an easy and many times inexpensive way to make someone's day. They can be done all year around too, not just during the holidays. How cool would it be if our children, the next generation, are raised to see the needs around them and act on them right then and there. Even cooler if these things are done anonymously without the expectation of praise or gratitude. Here are just a few ways you can spread love to people around you:

Donate food to a food bank or pet supplies to a pet shelter
Pay for the person in line behind you-- could be their coffee, their package at the post office, their cart of groceries, etc.
Leave detergent and/or coins at your local laundromat
Leave a bag of popcorn at a Redbox
Give out roses at the grocery store (in a socially-distant manner)
Leave a $5 at a vending machine or coins at candy dispensers
Send cards to service men and women
Leave a generous tip for your waitress
Leave gift cards on/near cars in a parking lot

Lancaster Organizations (for my local folks)

Lancaster Food Hub- This organization helps people who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, and vehicles. You can donate these items or donate your time by volunteering.

CrossNet Ministries- There are many ways to give through this ministry. You can adopt a child to give to each Christmas or give your time by being a Secret Shopper. You can also buy stocking stuffers for families in need.

North Star Initiative - This organization helps survivors of sex trafficking and rape victims by providing a restoration home and items needed to help victims return to the community successfully. You can support a survivor financially, donate to their restoration home (The Harbor), or purchase some essentials on their Amazon Wishlist. Regaining Hope Designs is a clothing brand that gives a portion of their profits to the North Star Initiative. You can see their collection here. (These items could serve as great Christmas gifts for the people on your list!)

Phil Haven- Phil Haven is a comprehensive behavioral health organization that treats mind, body, and spirit. There are many ways to donate to this wonderful organization. Some patients come to Phil Haven with absolutely nothing so clothing, blankets, and handmade gifts are always welcome in addition to monetary donations.

To keep our Christmas focused, we will implement ...

Something you want, something you need, something you wear, something you read.

In addition, we will be choosing from the above list of ways to give back this holiday season. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comments below or through DM @ instagram.com/_ashleymayer_ .

Let's spread God's love and end this year on a positive note! Share ways that you are giving back this Christmas on IG and I will feature you on my story! (tag @_ashleymayer_)