Goodwill and Giving Back: Small Acts, Big Impact

By Jennifer Youngren, NDTR

As the holiday season unfolds, it’s natural to reflect on the spirit of goodwill, generosity, and giving back. Whether you call it paying it forward, helping your community, or simply spreading kindness, this time of year presents countless opportunities to make a difference.

For those of us with children, often the season brings those familiar flyers from schools asking for donations of non-perishable foods, gently used clothes, and toys. These drives are wonderful, but they remind us there’s so much more we can do.

Simple Ways to Give

Next time you're shopping at the dollar store or a local supermarket, consider picking up a few extra items to donate. Everyday essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products are often overlooked but desperately needed. Here’s something many people may not realize: government assistance programs often do not cover these items.

Other overlooked essentials include:

• Diapers and baby products: These can be a lifeline for young families.

• Thermal socks and blankets: The dollar store often carries these budget-friendly options.

• Reusable containers: Simple items like Tupperware can make meal preparation and storage easier for families in need.

  
  

Donating these items to a local church, shelter, or food pantry can make an immediate and tangible difference in someone's life.

The Power of Personal Giving

Maybe giving to strangers isn’t what resonates with you right now. That’s okay—generosity starts at home and in your immediate circles. Do you know someone who could use a helping hand? Perhaps a neighbor, friend, or family member struggling to make ends meet?

When I was younger, I watched a movie called A Home of Our Own starring Kathy Bates. At first glance, I thought it was a story about hardship during the holidays, but now that I’m older and have faced my own challenges, I see the beauty in its message. Instead of exchanging presents, the family worked together to repair their home, focusing on what truly mattered. This idea stuck with me. As an adult, I’ve experienced how deeply satisfying it is to fix something broken in my own home.

Maybe this holiday season, instead of traditional gift-giving, you could:

• Offer to help someone with home repairs or yard work.

• Volunteer with an organization like Habitat for Humanity to assist those rebuilding after natural disasters.

• Gift someone your time by babysitting, running errands, or simply offering a listening ear.

  
  

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Generosity doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness have the most profound effects. A warm meal, a kind note, or even a conversation can brighten someone’s day.

If you're unsure where to start, here are a few ideas:

• Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food pantry.

• Organize a small clothing drive among friends or coworkers.

• Host a community gathering to exchange items you no longer need.

  
  

Let’s also remember that giving back doesn’t have to be limited to the holidays. Generosity is a practice that can thrive year-round.

Share Your Ideas

What are some ways you’ve given back or seen others make an impact? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to create a ripple effect of kindness.

To all of you, may this season bring you joy, connection, and the warmth that comes from giving back. Have a blessed and wonderful holiday!