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In this season of giving, apply your spirit of generosity to this tangible to-do list of cheerful goodness.
- Gather a group of friends to volunteer at a kettle for a day. Divide the hours between the group and be sure to deliver hot cocoa to your bell-ringing friends when you’re not on duty.
- Host a holiday sweater party or a pasta party and ask your guests to bring cold weather items or a bag of pasta and jar of sauce that you can donate.
- Host a baby shower, complete with a gift registry, for the local family shelter.
- “Adopt” a college student, single mom or someone who you know could use a boost during the holidays and bake them a treat, offer to babysit, or find a way to meet a tangible need in some other way.
- Offer to put up your neighbor’s Christmas lights, pick up their Christmas tree or trim their tree.
- Sign up to deliver holiday meals to homebound individuals or to serve dinner at a community meal.
- Buy a pumpkin spice latte for the person behind you in the coffee shop line.
- Visit a senior living facility to spread cheer, spending time with residents and maybe even singing a carol or two.
- Be a listening ear to a coworker or friend having a stressful holiday season.
- Take your kids shopping for toys to contribute to a toy drive.
For more ways to help this season, talk to your corps officer or visit volunteer.usawest.org for opportunities near you.
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