Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1427282
PINCH OF GOODNESS The Reason for the Season Four unique ways to give back during the holidays. BY EMILY BAEHNER It's wonderful to see the joy a gift brings to those who least expect it. The feeling of giving often overshadows the emotion of receiving something special; that's why giving is widely seen as the true reason for the holiday season. Whether you're looking to switch up your traditional ways of giving or searching for a fun way to give back for the first time, here are four unique opportunities to practice generosity this year. 1. 2. 3. 4. 16 SEND A HOLIDAY CARD. Purchase your holiday cards through Cards for Causes, which donates 20 percent of your order to the charity of your choice. With a library of Christmas, Hanukkah, and holiday cards, you can personalize your season's greetings however you wish. It's a great way to make a difference for philanthropic organizations like Make-A-Wish®, Habitat for Humanity®, American Red Cross®, and more. GET GIFTS ON AMAZONSMILE. Check gifts off your holiday shopping list and make a positive impact at the same time by using AmazonSmile. Amazon donates 0.5 percent of eligible purchases made at smile.amazon.com to charities at no extra cost to shoppers. To date, AmazonSmile has provided $286 million to more than 1 million local and national charities. BECOME A VOLUNTEER ELF. Ever wonder what happens to the thousands of letters that are written to Santa each year? Here's your chance to find out. Through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Operation Santa Program, you can become a volunteer elf and view letters to Santa written by children in need across the country. Often asking for warm coats, a hot dinner, or other basic necessities, it doesn't take much to create holiday magic for these special kids. Volunteers can adopt a letter to respond to, as Santa, and sign up to buy gifts to be mailed to their chosen child. HELP DECK THE HALLS. Many people kick off the holiday season by decorating their Christmas trees. But the men and women serving in the armed forces don't always have the opportunity to enjoy that time-honored tradition. Trees for Troops provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees to members of the military and their families back home. Visit christmasspiritfoundation.com to learn more.