5 Ways to Help Out Your Neighbors During the Holidays
The holidays are a time for closeness and togetherness. But with so many social events, parties, and gatherings to attend, it can be easy to forget about the people who live next door or all up and down the Front Range. While anytime is a great time to help a neighbor, the Holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to practice intentional kindness and gratitude. And the good news is that you don’t need any experience as a good Samaritan to know how to pitch in and help out your neighbors. In fact, many people do it regularly without thinking twice. Here are five simple ways that you can make sure your neighbors know they’re not forgotten during the holidays:
Donate to a Fund That Provides Meals
One of the easiest ways to share with your neighbors during the Holidays is to donate to the Hometown Holiday Meal Fund sponsored by Canyon Cares. Each year, Canyon Cares provides over $10,000 in gift cards to families in need in Coal Creek Canyon and the Peak-to-Peak area.
Individual contributions of $25, $50, $100, or $250 can help single adults and families with food and gas. Contributing is simple; visit the Canyon Cares Hometown Holiday Meal page to make your one-time or recurring pledge today.
Shovel a Drive and Walk
If your neighbors are elderly, have children who are disabled, or are just going through a tough time, you can always pitch in and shovel their drive for them. This is such a nice gesture during our snowy winter months. If you don’t shovel your own drive, ask whoever does your drive if you can add a one-time tip to cover a neighbor’s driveway.
Of course, you can always pitch in and help them shovel. It’s a great way to get to know a neighbor a little better.
Bake Something Awesome to Share
Nothing says the holidays like freshly baked bread, cookies, and cakes. Suppose you’re baking up a storm for your own holiday gatherings. Why not make a few extra loaves and distribute them in a festive package to neighbors who might not experience homemade treats as often.
Delivering them around the neighborhood is the perfect opportunity to say hi or introduce yourself to a new neighbor.
Surprise Someone with Flowers or Decorations
When you’re stuck in a holiday rut, one of the best ways to brighten someone’s day is to surprise them with flowers or a decorative item. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on these gifts either because most stores sell inexpensive flowers and decorative items that will do the trick. If you don’t know anyone nearby who would appreciate a gift like this, you can purchase them and deliver them to a nursing home or organization like Pastor’s Pantry.
Bottom line
While the holidays are a great time to spend with your loved ones, it’s also nice to consider your neighbors. Simply remembering to say hi, offer help, and thank your neighbors for being there can go a long way toward making this holiday season a little bit brighter.
The holidays can be stressful for those struggling financially or dealing with a health issue. But you don’t have to wait to be asked for help; pitch in a spread a little holiday cheer. That’s what makes the Canyon such a special place to call home.