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4 Ways You And Your Family Can Make A Difference This Holiday Season

November 13, 2014 in Holidays

holidayseason

 Make A Difference This Holiday Season

                The Holiday Season can get so rushed and busy. Do you want to slow down and maybe share your gifts with others? How about getting the kids to focus on others instead of thinking about a huge gift list? There are many simple ways to get the whole family involved in making a difference in the lives of others. Here are just a few ideas to get you started down the path of giving.
                1.  Adopt  A Family. Not sure where to look? Many churches have families to adopt. Even if you don’t belong to a specific church, you can call and ask if they do have a way you can help out a family. There also may be a giving tree, where you can select a boy/girl and the age of the children. These usually have specific gift requests, and it is great to match up your child with a needy child their age.  This is a terrific way to get your children excited about shopping for someone else and the general spirit of giving.   If you do have children, their school may also have a couple of families they would like to help. If you don’t have the means to adopt a whole family, there are usually opportunities to buy a gift or donate food towards a holiday meal. No school-age kids? Call the schools near you and just ask if they have an organized program to help those in need.
 food-drive
 2.   Start a food drive. If you have a local food pantry, contact them and ask what items they really need for families during the holidays. Even younger children can help get food donations and deliver the food. It is important for kids to feel that they are doing something good, and it is a great family activity. Let the neighborhood know what you are doing, and pick a night to take donations in your driveway. This could be a great event on your street and with a few candy canes and some hot chocolate, you can have fun at the same time.
animal-shelter
3.  Help our furry friends. Sign up to volunteer with the animal shelter. The shelters usually have an age minimum to volunteer, but they also have supply needs. You can organize a donation drive for the animals. Most shelters need food, treats and toys, but they often can use blankets, paper towels, and even office supplies.  Setup a time to deliver the donations and maybe say hello to some of the cute animals, too!
4.  Sometimes you don’t need to look further than next door. If you have elderly neighbors, bake some cookies or treats with the family, and then deliver them in person. Have the kids do something nice for a neighbor, like raking leaves or shoveling snow. Even offering to walk the dog could be a big help.
                Whether big or small, giving is so important, and especially needed during the holidays. Bring your family together and teach the little ones that it truly is better to give than to receive. Giving from the heart will brighten the day of others and bring a smile to all.
How will you be making a difference this holiday season?
0
24 Comments
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. massmommie@gmail.com'Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    November 14, 2014 at 12:52 am

    We try to volunteer at the local food bank. Or donate toys.

    Reply
  2. aimeefauci@gmail.com'aimee fauci says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:57 am

    My girl’s school does so much. We’ve already donated food and most likely we will ‘adopt’ a couple of local kids to make sure they get some gifts.

    Reply
  3. rm29303@gmail.com'Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:51 am

    We are celebrating this year and ready to spread some holiday cheer! I know I am going to be baking stuff like crazy and going to be volunteering in a food pantry or homeless shelter. It is something I have been wanting to do for a very long time.

    Reply
  4. loisaltermark@gmail.com'Lois Alter Mark says

    November 14, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    This is great. The holidays should be a season of giving your time to those in need rather than focusing on shopping.

    Reply
  5. wheresmypacifier@gmail.com'Kae James says

    November 14, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    We always donate toys. And always give canned food to our local church. Not only for Christmas but year round.

    Reply
  6. chrystal@yumeating.com'Chrystal @ YUM eating says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    We do a lot of donations to families, toys for kids, and pet stuff for the shelters and rescue organizations. We may not have a lot to give but what little we can give does make a difference.

    Reply
  7. krystal@krystalskitsch.com'Krystal says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    I love these, but my favorite is volunteering at an animal shelter. Those adorable critters need so much help and love.

    Reply
  8. Coolchillmom@gmail.com'Coolchillmom says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    It is do easy to get started! We will adopt a family and help rescued dogs

    Reply
  9. mandy22q@gmail.com'amanda ripsam says

    November 14, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Our church collects items for the batter women and children’s shelter I donate a lot of items I want to get rid of it is a way to give back with out adding a lot of fiancial stress but I in the past I have had the benefit of having a person adopt our family for the holidays and we were able to get Christmas presents for everyone as well as fixings for dinner. This year is the first year we don’t need to get the help from these places and when we are better off we will be doing more raising funds for programs that helps to adopt families.

    Reply
  10. bluevioletnut@gmail.com'Liz Mays says

    November 14, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    I started a food drive in my neighborhood this year! I’m having really good response from it too.

    Reply
  11. editor@girlgonemom.com'Heather says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    I joined forces with bloggers to adopt a family last year. Same thing this year. We always donate food and toys.

    Reply
  12. pam@imperfectwomen.com'Pam says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    I love all of these but pets and senior citizens are the two biggest areas I would like to concentrate in this year and doing more for. They are both so important to our society.

    Reply
  13. Kristen@theroadtodomestication.com'Kristen from The Road to Domestication says

    November 15, 2014 at 1:06 am

    We are big supporters of our local food bank all year round! But especially around this time of year!

    Reply
  14. marison459@sbcglobal.net'Theresa says

    November 15, 2014 at 4:21 am

    Great ways to give back! My girls each adopt a girl their own age to buy gifts for. Not only does the child receive nice things, my girls are able to make the connection that there are girls out there their age, just like them who don’t have it as well as they do.

    Reply
  15. stefany@tobethode.com'Stefany says

    November 15, 2014 at 5:58 am

    We always help our elderly neighbor but will be extra kind this winter to make sure he stays safe. My kids are very excited to give to the animal shelter this holiday season too!

    Reply
  16. danielle@motivatingmommy.com'danielle says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:05 am

    All of these are great ways to help others and make a difference during the holidays.

    Reply
  17. celebbabylaundry@gmail.com'celebbabylaundry says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:15 am

    I will surely be helping a furry friend this year, I love animals and they especially need some love on the holidays as well!

    Reply
  18. frugalsoldier@outlook.com'Nate @ The Frugal Soldier says

    November 15, 2014 at 10:59 am

    These are 4 great ideas. I believe we should strive to give back as much as we can and I love #1. There are so many people in need this day and age and what a wonderful way to make someone’s holiday very special by sharing with them during this season.

    Reply
  19. asmithblogs@yahoo.com'Amanda says

    November 15, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    What a great post! The holidays are all about giving!

    Reply
  20. adventuresfrugalmom@gmail.com'Melissa Vera says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    We are planning to help out our local animal shelter. Collecting items that they need.

    Reply
  21. lisariosonline@gmail.com'Lisa Rios says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    Just Amazing way for any family to make a difference during this holiday season. And I would definitely look out for people next door & would love to help elderly neighbors who need the most of love & care.

    Reply
  22. annb10@rogers.com'Ann Bacciaglia says

    November 15, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    We do the adopt a child program every year. They provide you with the age and size of a child. I then go and buy a snowsuit and some clothes and of course a few toys. I also donate every month to our local food bank.

    Reply
  23. ammcmaho@mtu.edu'amanda @attachedmoms says

    November 16, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    You are right – The holidays are a great time to think of others.

    Reply
  24. soaringplaces@gmail.com'Rosey says

    November 16, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    We take care pkgs to two of our neighbors. It’s always appreciated, and I think it’s such a good idea.

    Reply

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🍁 Vegetable Soup 
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1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
2 cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 5)
1 1/4 cups chopped celery (about 3)
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We've been loading up on protein, carbs and chocolate milk in our household!  For every Cass Clay milk you purchase, you can snap a photo of your receipt, upload it to http://www.fueltheirdrive.com/cassclay and have a chance to win up to $10k for your athletic department. Is your school on the leaderboard?  Check out the top schools for the area here:
https://fueltheirdrive.com/cassclay/en-us/Leaderboard

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CASS CLAY WILL AWARD 16 GRANTS RANGING FROM $1K-$10K TO SCHOOL COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING NORTH DAKOTA! WIN-WIN! LET'S GOOO! 

No Purch. Nec. Ends 10/15/21. 16+, IA, IL, KS, MN, NE, ND, WI only, Rules: http://pl.fyi/zw2
My famous “mom” line is, “make sure you are My famous “mom” line is, “make sure you are drinking water!” Or “are you drinking water?” Or “do you need some more water?” Any sort of variation can come out of my mouth at any given time.  Ask my kids and they will confirm.  If there is one thing that I know is that staying hydrated is so important. 

Clean drinking water is even better! I introduce to you ZeroWater.  Only ZeroWater leaves 000 dissolved solids, for the purest tasting water. ZeroWater is the only filter certified by the NSF to reduce both Lead and Chromium. It also has a premium 5-stage filter versus the standard conventional 2-stage filter used by other brands.

I am teaming up with @zerowater000 to give away a zero water pitcher.  This pitcher comes with a water quality meter and premium 5-stage ion exchange filter!

The Ready-Pour technology allows you to dispense filtered water as the reservoir continues to filter. No need to wait until the pitcher is full to start enjoying.

Here’s the deal and the rules. 
*must “like” this post
*follow @mamasitaal 
*follow @zerowater000
*tag a friend to receive an extra entry (the more you tag, the more entries you get)

It’s that easy to enter. 
Good luck! 

This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. 
Winner will be announced on 10/15/2021 
#ZeroWater #LiveLifeAtZero #creatorco #onetreeplanted #creatorsplanttrees
Today’s good mood is sponsored by coffee. #nati Today’s good mood is sponsored by coffee.

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Are you a coffee fan? If so, what is your favorite coffee brand? How do you like your coffee? How many cups do you drink per day? 

#coffee #coffeelover #coffeegram #coffeeaddict #coffeelife #coffeeholic #coffeedaily #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeevibes #coffeebreak #coffeeislove #yumyum #cantleavewithoutit #cantleavehomewithoutit❤️
Crisp air. Pretty leaves. Sweaters and boots. Foot Crisp air. Pretty leaves. Sweaters and boots. Football. Coffee and pumpkins.  I love fall. 

#ourneighborhood #myneighborhood #fallseason #fallisintheair #fallismyfavorite #fallvibes #fallcolors #changeisgood #beautifulview #myviewrightnow #myviewisbetterthanyours #sunrise #gorgeousviews #autumn #autumnvibes
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🍁 Vegetable Soup 
Here’s what you need: 
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
2 cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 5)
1 1/4 cups chopped celery (about 3)
4 cloves garlic , minced
4 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth* or vegetable broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
3 cups peeled and 1/2-inch thick diced potatoes (from about 3 medium)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped frozen or fresh green beans
1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
1 cup frozen or fresh peas 

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🍁 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. 
🍁 Add onions, carrots, and celery and saute 4 minutes then add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
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🍁 Bring to a boil, then add green beans. 
🍁 Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until potatoes are almost fully tender, about 20 - 30 minutes. 
🍁 Add corn and peas and cook 5 minutes longer. Serve warm.

For the full how to: check out Vegetable soup on the cookingclassy.com. 

#comfortfood #soupseason #soupdejour #souprecipes #nummanum #yummy #soupfordays #fallsoup #fallsoupseason #vegetablesoup #vegetablesoup #soupmaker #deliciousness #delicious #cookingclassy #comfortfoods #goatsoup🐐 #greatestofalltime #whatsfordinnertonight #whatsfordinnertomorrow #itswhatsfordinner
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Be prepared for a slew of Autumn season posts.  Fall is my favorite. 

I love the colors. I love the decor. I love the fall fashion. I love the fall food.  I love it all! I had a few floral arrangements I had created by  different local small town florists.  Here are my faves.  Aren’t they gorgeous? And how cute is that little pumpkin? 

What’s your favorite season? 

#falldecor #fallfashion #fallcenterpiece #fallcenterpieces #fallstyle #falldecorations #fallready #fallharvest #fallisintheair #fallflowers #autumn #autumnvibes #autumndecor #autumnvibes🍁 #pumpkindecor
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