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Both science and Scripture agree: generosity is good for you.
“The Science of Generosity” by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley examined a number of benefits of generosity, ranging from improved general health, longevity and happiness to benefits to the workplace and relationships, among others.
The Lord delights in a cheerful giver, Paul writes in his epistle to the Corinthians: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).
At Christmastime, the spirit of generosity shines. In December, people are 14 percent more likely to make a donation to a cause, “Seasonal altruism: How Christmas shapes unsolicited charitable giving” from the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization found. That’s in addition to other opportunities to give back, like volunteering time or providing material goods to those in need.
The Salvation Army activates with urgency at Christmastime, seeking to close the gaps for those who are in need through providing meals, shelter, gifts under the Christmas tree and other forms of assistance.
Most importantly, it doesn’t do it alone.
Here are six ways you can join The Salvation Army in giving with joy this Christmas:
1. Ring the bell
Take a shift at one of The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles to raise funds for your neighbors in need. Visit Register to Ring to sign up for a shift that works with your schedule and prepare for a fun outing of spreading Christmas cheer, knowing you’ll make a difference—on average volunteers at the kettle raise more funds than paid bellringers.
2. Donate at a kettle (or a virtual kettle)
Now it’s easier than ever to stop and give money at the kettle. While traditional forms of payment like cash and change remain, you can also donate with contactless payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay or scan QR codes to donate online via various payment apps or cryptocurrency.
Having a hard time finding an in-person kettle? Give to a virtual kettle, or host one of your own. Last year, in just 28 days, Americans gave nearly $100 million at thousands of kettles nationwide. Together, those gifts helped The Salvation Army serve more than 27 million people all year long.
3. Give your time at your closest Salvation Army location
For many Salvation Army units, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the busiest, between hosting holiday meals and programs and providing food, gifts and other forms of distributions. Chances are, your help is needed. Find your closest location and see how you can get involved.
4. Shop for a child in need
Through the Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army helps more than 1 million children have new clothes and toys under the tree each Christmas. Once a child in need is accepted as an Angel, you can shop their wish list by pulling off a tag from an Angel Tree inside your nearest Walmart store or shop for gifts online using Walmart’s Spark Good Registry. The Salvation Army then distributes the gifts for a Christmas to remember.
5. Pray
Spending time in prayer matters. Salvation Army Founder William Booth once said: “Work as if everything depended upon your work, and pray as if everything depended upon your prayer.” Lift up those in need this Christmas, along with those who are trying to help make a better world.
6. Clean out for good
In anticipating all the gifts and objects that will inevitably come into your home this Christmas, why not clean out now? Collect items you no longer need that can find new life at a Salvation Army thrift store. Your donations will help fund the programming for men and women seeking recovery from substance abuse at The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
Do Good:
- Join us in giving joy to families who are experiencing poverty, hunger, job loss and more. Your generosity offers joyful reassurance that even during our most challenging times, we are not alone.
- What if five minutes a day could re-center your family on the reason we celebrate? Meet the free Caring Advent Paper Chain—25 days to Read, Reflect and Pray. Refreshed for 2025!
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