– Danielle Stewart,  Volunteer Central

The holiday season can be overwhelming. Our to-do lists seem to get bigger while the budgets grow tighter. One way to help alleviate the stress and tensions of the holiday season is to give the gift of happiness. New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just as the receiver, but as a giver, it boasts plenty of health benefits and happiness, and strengthens our community.

Studies have shown that giving to others makes us far happier than spending on ourselves. Of course, you don’t have to shop to reap the benefits of giving. Research suggests the same benefits come from donating to charities or volunteering your time. In lieu of giving gifts, make a pledge with friends and family to donate your time to a local organization.  Create an impact that will have a ripple effect within our community while boosting your feel-good spirit.

Here are just a few ways you can make an impact in our community this holiday season:

Adopt-A-Family
Put food on the table for a family that doesn’t have the means to do so.   The Outreach Centre and The Salvation Army, among a few other organizations, host programs that help give meals and gifts to families during the holiday season. Alternatively, you can choose to donate through the Outreach Giving Catalogue. Find out how you can get involved at womensoutreach.ca.

Help the Homeless
At a time when warm homes and family gatherings are common, the homeless are left feeling particularly isolated. Check out The Mustard Seed, and The Salvation Army for programs to volunteer with, or for items to donate.

Gifts for Grandparents
The Gifts for Grandparents program is underway for its 12th year.  In 2018 over 500 gift bags were delivered to isolated seniors in Central Alberta just in time for Christmas. The goal for 2019 is to continue to make Christmas brighter for seniors in our community.  Donations can be dropped off starting November 13 to December 11 at FSCA, Kinsmen Family Place Parkland Mall, Timberlands PetValu, Capri Salon, Shoppers Drug Mart (Village Mall, Bower Mall & Clearview Market locations) and Marlin Travel. It is our goal to connect with seniors that could just use a little cheer in their life especially around the holiday season.  If you have any questions please call Liz at 403.309.8215

Kettle Bells
Each holiday season, the Salvation Army amps up its fundraising efforts to help support underserved populations. We all know those kettle-bell stands with the ringing bells! Although in the days of plastic debit cards, spare change is hard to come by, no doubt. As little as a dollar will collectively go towards helping those in need in our community.

Toy Drive
Big Rebels fan? Kill two birds with one stone. The Wawanesa Toy drive is in support of United Way Central Alberta. Put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season by donating a new and unwrapped toy at the Red Deer Rebels game on Nov. 30.

GivingTuesday

December 3rd marks the opening day of the giving season, #GivingTuesday. From December 3rd – 10th,  the Downtown Business Association will be accepting donations on behalf of the Food Bank, Christmas Bureau, Red Deer Soup Kitchen, Safe Harbour, and the Whisker Rescue. To learn more about what items to donate or to drop off items, get in touch with Raven from the Downtown Business Association.

If you’re looking for other ways to get involved, check out our website at volunteercentral.ca for all the latest volunteering opportunities in our community.