7 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

The holidays are all about opening your heart and celebrating what is important in life – it’s the perfect time to give back. Here are 7 great ways how:

1. Find a Toy Drive

Delight children who wouldn't otherwise get gifts by donating to holiday toy drives! This is a common pursuit for many organizations during the holiday season, so it’s very accessible and easy to find. Do research on where may be accepting toy donations and be sure to see their requirements. Now having all the info, make a special day of buying a gift or two for the toy drive by yourself or with friends and family. It will feel great to bring the joy of gifts as you give back this season!

Young girl putting toys into a donation box

2. Make a Charitable Donation

Donating money to charities and organizations in need is a noble pursuit. Whether it is 1 dollar or 1,000 dollars, any amount you can give is more than enough. Find charities and organizations that align with your beliefs and values, like animal rehabilitation, medical research, or homelessness support. Whatever you decide, a charitable donation is always a great way to give back.

Group of volunteers working on a project

3. Instead of Gifts, Ask for Donations

If you are really in the spirit of giving this season, ask your loved ones to make donations in your honor instead of buying you gifts. A great way to ask for this is to send out a Christmas card with this request. To inspire your friends and family, you could even include a list of charities you like to help them decide on a place to donate.

Group of volunteers carrying boxes at a charity event

4. Donate Warm Clothes

The winter months tend to be cold, and it is always helpful for the community to donate warm clothes to homeless shelters and similar places. Whether you buy something brand new or pass down a loved article of clothing, any donation is much appreciated. Blankets and towels are also helpful to donate if you don’t have warm clothes to spare.

Volunteers distributing blankets and other donated goods

5. Volunteer

Volunteering at shelters, community centers, senior centers, orphanages, and beyond is a great way to give back this holiday season. Depending on where you go, you could be chatting with patrons, serving food, folding clothes, making phone calls, or other helpful tasks. Volunteering is a great tradition to start over the holidays and make this giving season even more meaningful.

Volunteers filling out a list people

6. Give Away a Warm Meal

Cooking a warm meal for the homeless, the disabled, or a lonely senior is a kind act that shows love. Often, many people are unable to afford to make their own warm meals, let alone a holiday one. Giving away leftovers, or just whipping up extra dishes to give away is a great way to give back.

Volunteers filling up plates with food

7. Attend Give Kids the World: Night of a Million Lights

If you’re in Orlando this holiday season, right across the street from Margaritaville Resort Orlando, visit Give Kids the World: Night of a Million Lights at H2O Water Park! Attending this wonderful spectacle of endless, stunning holiday lights benefits Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. You won’t want to miss it!

People walking through Night of a Million Lights holiday light display at Island H2O Water Park.

Thank you for reading! We here at Margaritaville Resort Orlando wish you happy holidays and hope you have a fulfilling time giving back during the most wonderful season of all.