CHARITY ‘ TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING cont .
big day ? Making space for the new items you know are coming helps you keep a clear head and will save you money on that dreaded IKEA trip . But it will also help those in need if you take the old toys and unopened gifts from last year to your local charity . Either drop them off at a shop or take them to a centre where they can be wrapped and given out to those less fortunate . That cuddly bear that hasn ’ t even been looked at let alone played with since it arrived in your home might be the only present a less fortunate child receives this year .
It ’ s not just about toys either – we ’ ve all got too many clothes , and some of them having been languishing in our wardrobes and drawers for months or even years without seeing the light of day . For a homeless person the gift of a new suit or warm jumper could make all the difference . Coats are particularly needed . There are lots of clothes banks dotted around high streets , or again you could take your unwanted outfits directly to a charity shop .
Buy A Little Extra
The big Christmas food shop … love it or loathe it , it ’ s a necessity , particularly if you are hosting on the big day . Christmas is a time to indulge , to eat a little ( or a lot !) more than you would normally , and generally be a bit naughty . And the money we spend on these feasts is astronomical . We might moan about it , but by the time we get home with enough food to see us through the week of Christmas , we can finally feel as though things are going to plan .
But what if , instead of buying things that are not going to get eaten ( we throw away around £ 64 million worth of food as a nation over the festive period ), wouldn ’ t it be better to donate items to a food bank instead ? You could do your big Christmas shop and buy a few extra bits and bobs ( not just food , but sanitary products and nappies are always needed too ) which can go straight to charity . Alternatively , don ’ t buy any extra than usual , but donate anyway . Are you really going to eat all of those mince pies ? What about the selection box of chocolates that was on offer so you bought two ? If you can , let someone else enjoy these treats .
And don ’ t forget , food banks need donations all year round , so if , once all the excitement is out of the way , you find yourself with plenty of leftover food that just isn ’ t going to get eaten , don ’ t throw it out – take it to a food bank . Check www . thetrusselltrust . org . uk to find your nearest one .
Help The Animals
Sadly , animal shelters become more full than ever at Christmastime . Some people choose to give away their older pets in anticipation of getting a new one , and others give away news ones that they hadn ’ t asked for and didn ’ t want and yet were given them anyway .
Any extra pet food that you have – particularly for dogs and cats , although fish food and birdseed are also needed – will always be welcome at your local animal shelter . Unwanted pet toys can also be given . Your time will also be gladly received as shelters will be so busy . Come in to play with the animals , take the dogs for walks , clear out the kennels and cages and generally be on hand when required .
Give Blood
Giving blood won ’ t cost you anything , and it won ’ t harm you in any way . And although a lot of people sign up to give blood at Christmas , estimates say that around one in five of them simply don ’ t turn up to their appointment . Hospitals are always in need of blood , and taking the time to give yours could literally save a life this festive season . It ’ s easy to sign up ( you can do it online at www . blood . co . uk ) and , as long as you meet the requirements , you can start giving straight away .
Pay It Forward
The idea behind paying it forward is something that can – and should – be remembered throughout the year , but at Christmas it is the perfect time to begin giving on a daily basis . Paying it forward means doing something good for someone else so that they will , ideally , do something nice for someone else . In this way , a chain of good deeds can grow hugely – and make quite the difference . You could start simply by paying for someone ’ s food in a restaurant or buying someone coffee in the morning . Put a smile on their face and you ’ ve changed their outlook for the entire day . It ’ s a lovely thing to do .
You don ’ t even have to spend any money to do this . Pay a stranger a compliment and you could have started a chain of positive events that ends up helping someone you have never and will never meet . It ’ s a beautiful thought indeed .
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