Sydney Shuler | Staff Writer
FreeStock.com
In about three weeks, the majority of the HU student population will be traveling to their respective homes to enjoy the winter break with the people we love. After wrapping up a long and stressful semester, it may be understandably easy to commit to using the break for rest, relaxation and “me time.” While those things are important for self-care and regrouping for spring semester, challenge yourself to carve out some time to do something for someone else this holiday season. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few ways:
1. Sponsor a family in need.
Organizations like Family-to-Family can match you with a low-income or refugee family, a Holocaust survivor or a military veteran. They also provide the opportunity to donate a box of groceries to struggling families in your own community once a month.
2. Send the elderly some love.
Nearly 6 million people over the age of 65 are depressed, according to the American Medical Institute. The holidays can be a lonely time for the elderly, especially those who are no longer surrounded by their family. Volunteering as a visitor at a nursing home can have the power to brighten someone’s holiday season more than you know. Quality time at your local nursing home can go a long way.
3. Do it for the little ones.
Organizations such as Marine Corps, Toys for Tots and My Two Front Teeth provide less-fortunate children with Christmas toys, as well as materials for children’s charities, preschools and day care centers across the country.
The best way to stay in the giving mood is to use what you’ve been blessed with—whether it be time, money, gifts or love—and sharing it with the people who need it the most.
The Hampton Script 